Don Pearson // Northview Campus // April 19, 2026

SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE

THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Genesis 37:1–4

REMINDERS

Family Connects

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TOGETHER IN LIFE

Share a time when you had to throw the plan out the window.

TOGETHER IN THE WORD

Read Genesis 37:1–4 aloud together.

KEY QUESTION: How does God redeem broken stories?

QUESTIONS

Don introduces us to a book titled, In the Low: Honest Prayers for Dark Seasons. Scott Erickson
uses some helpful tools to help us understand where Joseph is heading and how it will change him.
He begins with the following diagram:

Can you relate to this? Explain.

Read Genesis 37:1-4

“Bad Report” is where it starts. Joseph is propelled into an extraordinary place—the low.

What are your thoughts about Jacob’s gift to Joseph?

What are your thoughts about the brothers’ attitude toward Joseph?

Don challenges us with the question, “How are you going to work through this story?”

We have probably read this story many times—as a good story—not looking at the turmoil and trial in detail. We love a revenge story. We love it when the good guy finally wins. These types of stories are part of the “American-pick-yourself-up-from-your-boot straps” culture. But this is scripture. It is for our instruction.

Don has paraphrased a quote from Flannery O’Connor:

Do you know what to do with your lows?  Do you try to dull or escape them?  What if God wants to touch you and change you when you are in the low places?

Which sailboat represents your place in life right now?

TOGETHER IN PRAYER & ACTION

• Pray for one another, thanking God for specific ways that He has helped redeem our brokenness and asking for help in the areas that are still painful.
• Choose one item of concern to bring before God daily, casting your burdens on Jesus and trusting in His grace and mercy.