Discussion Guide | July 26, 2026

August 2nd, 2026

Making Sense of Your Life | Dr. Bill Shuler Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon by Pastor Bill Shuler introduces a series called "The Power of Story," focusing on how each person has a unique life story that is as distinct as a fingerprint. Pastor Bill draws on Scripture, psychology, and cultural examples to show that our brains are wired for story, that over 40% of the Bible is narrative, and that God is actively writing a meaningful story in every person's life. The central call is for believers to examine their lives, identify the highs and lows, and discover the "God narrative" within those experiences.

Using the life of Joseph as a primary example, the pastor illustrates how what appears to be betrayal, slavery, and injustice can be reframed through the lens of God's larger purpose. Just as Joseph declared that what his brothers meant for harm, God meant for good, believers are encouraged to see their own stories through God's metanarrative. The sermon challenges people to stop letting their stories go untold, to be vulnerable with others, and to boldly share their testimony as a way of defeating the enemy and pointing others to the Gospel.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together today. We come with open hearts, knowing that You are the Author of our stories. As we discuss Your Word and reflect on our own lives, we ask that You quiet the noise around us and within us. Help each person in this group to be open to what You want them to receive today. Give us ears to truly hear one another, and eyes to see the ways You have been at work in our lives. May this time draw us closer to You and to each other. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one fun or unexpected fact about yourself that most people in this group probably do not know?

Main Study

Key Verses

Proverbs 4:26
Psalm 107:2
Joel 1:1-3
Genesis 16:8
Isaiah 64:8
Ephesians 2:10

Questions

Pastor Bill said that 'the unexamined life is not worth living.' How often do you take time to reflect on your own life story, and what tends to get in the way of doing that?
Think about a time when someone shared a vulnerable part of their story with you. How did that change your relationship with them or your perspective on life?
The sermon described how over 40% of the Bible is narrative. Why do you think God chose to communicate so much of His truth through stories rather than just commands or facts?
Pastor Bill used the image of the little girl in the red coat from Schindler's List to show how one person's story can break through our desensitization. How can keeping individual stories in focus help us love people better in our daily lives?
Psalm 107:2 says, 'Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.' What holds you back from sharing your story with others, and what might help you overcome that?
Pastor Bill introduced the idea of identifying 'highs,' 'lows,' and 'God narratives' in our life stories. Can you think of a low point in your life where, looking back, you can now see a God narrative at work?
Joseph said it was God who sent him to Egypt, even though it was His brothers' betrayal that physically brought Him there. What does that kind of perspective require of us, and how does it change the way we view painful experiences?
Ephesians 2:10 says we are God's 'poema,' His poem or workmanship. How does seeing yourself as something God is intentionally crafting change the way you think about your purpose and your struggles?

Life Application

This week, set aside 20 to 30 minutes in a quiet place and write down at least one significant high, one significant low, and what you believe the God narrative might be in each of those moments. If you cannot identify the God narrative for a particular event, bring it to God in prayer and consider sharing it with a trusted friend or someone in this group. Ask them to help you see what God may have been doing. Let this be the beginning of understanding your story through God's larger story.

More Sermon Study Guides

Closing

Key Takeaways

Every person has a unique life story, as distinct as a fingerprint, and God is intentionally writing that story with purpose and meaning.
Our brains are wired for story, which is why God used narrative so extensively in Scripture and why sharing our stories is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others and point them to God.
Identifying the highs, lows, and God narratives in our lives helps us make sense of our experiences and recognize that God has been present even in our most painful moments.
Just as Joseph reframed his betrayal and suffering as part of God's greater plan, we are called to see our own hardships through the lens of God's redemptive purpose rather than through bitterness or confusion.
The enemy is defeated by the blood of Jesus and by the word of our testimony. Telling our story boldly and vulnerably is a spiritual act that can bring freedom to others.

Ending Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the time we have shared together today. Thank You for reminding us that we are Your workmanship, Your poem, crafted with intention and love. As we leave this place, help us to carry our stories with courage rather than shame, and with openness rather than fear. Give us the wisdom to see Your hand in the highs and the lows of our lives, and the boldness to share what You have done so that others may come to know You. May our testimonies be a light in the darkness and a declaration of Your goodness. We trust You with the chapters of our stories that we do not yet understand, knowing that You are a God who sees us, just as You saw Hagar in the desert. In Jesus' name, amen.

More Sermon Study Guides

Posted in Life Groups, Sermon Blog