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Are you looking for movie clips that will stimulate discussion or illustrate a given point? Well takes notes, sit back, and enjoy Jonathan's movie clip page.


Bruce Almighty

What To Do When Life Stinks: Trusting God in Disappointment
by Danette Matty

A Discussion using Bruce Almighty, PG-13 (Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston)

OVERVIEW: A guy who complains about God too often is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world. While this movie probably won't be used by any reputable seminaries in place of Theology 101, it actually tackles some good issues while avoiding self-centered armchair theology so many "other-worldly" films do. Though Bruce's personal life isn't the shining example of Christian discipline (he lives with his girlfriend and uses his newfound powers in a few ways that cross the line), we keep in mind that he doesn't claim to be a Christian in the first place and acts as perhaps many would if they were in his position. With that in mind, there are more than a few great lines and scenes in this movie to spark various discussions.

Here's one idea to talk to students about trusting God in disappointment. It's a great opportunity for you to share how God has been faithful in your life, so have a personal story ready to briefly share at some point during the discussion.

Set counter at 0:00:00 when the Universal studio logo (with the globe) fills screen. Fast forward to 0:18:50 where Bruce is ranting after having been passed over for a promotion, then beat up by thugs. The scene begins with a bum holding a sign, "Life Is Just".

Pass out paper and pens for students to write.

DISCUSSION:

INTRO: Tonight we're talking about what to do when life stinks. Let me start by saying that we're not talking about when you reap what you sow and get what you deserve. We're talking about when thing don't turn out as you'd hoped because of circumstances beyond your control; or getting your hopes up for something only to be let down. Can anyone relate?
    1. Write down one or two things that have really disappointed you - preferably in the last year - but it could be anything that's happened in your life that still really bothers you.
    2. How did you react when this happened to you? Was this rational?
INTRODUCE CLIP: In a scene from the movie, Bruce Almighty, the main character is feeling sorry for himself after being passed over for a promotion, then beat up by thugs.

SHOW CLIP HERE. Stop at 0:20:16 after Bruce finishes his rant, "I'm not ok with a mediocre job. I'm not ok with a mediocre apartment. I'm not ok with a mediocre life!"
    3. What about you? How do you react when bad things happen?
    4. Some of us blame God when bad things happen- we think he's mistreating us or ignoring us. Have you ever felt like this? Elaborate.
INVESTIGATION: Maybe you've hand your own temper tantrum when life stunk. It's hard to keep perspective when bad things happen. Tonight, we're going to put God's character on trial. When we're disappointed, we often assume God is one of four things. Let's look at these four incorrect assumptions: FOUR ASSUMPTIONS WE MAKE ABOUT GOD WHEN WE HAVE IT TOUGH

1. We assume God's a jerk.
    Because He's God, We assume He could've controlled this, right? So, He's unjust and cruel; a big bully who's jerking me around.

    Look up Isaiah 30.18 (CEV), The Lord is waiting to show you how kind He is and to have pity on you. The Lord always does right; He blesses those who trust Him.

    God's not playing some mean trick on us. Do a word study on God's compassion - the Bible is full of verses on it!
2. We assume God's lame. Could it be that He's a foolish overseer who doesn't know how to manage my life?
    Look up Jeremiah 10.12 (NIV), But God made the earth by his power; He founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.

    1 Corinthians 1.25a (CEV), Even when God is foolish, He is wiser than everyone else.
3. We assume God's a wimp. Maybe He's just weak.
    Look up Genesis 18.14 (CEV), I am the Lord! There is nothing too difficult for Me!

    1 Corinthians 1.25b (CEV), ... and even when God is weak, he is stronger than everyone else.
4. We assume God's blind. Is He just a moron ... dumb and too busy for you and me ... oblivious, as if either what I am or what I do is unimportant to Him.
    Look up 1 Peter 5.7 (NIV), Casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

    Nahum 1.7 (NIV), The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.
THE TRUTH

God is Sovereign

We've just put God's character on trial. What's the conclusion? If God isn't a jerk, lame, a wimp, or blind, there's only one option left. He is sovereign. "He's in control and he knows what he's doing."

Look up Job 2.9,10 (CEV), ... his wife asked, "Why do you still trust God? Why don't you curse Him and die? Job replied, "Don't talk like a fool! If we accept blessings from God, we must accept trouble as well." In all that happened, Job never once said anything against God.
    Jeremiah 29.11-14a, For I know the plans I have for you; plans not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future.
God is sovereign. When you belong to God, things don't happen by chance. Both who you are and what you do are important to Him. When you know God's character, no matter how disappointing, confusing, or painful the circumstances, you can trust Him.

WRAP UP: Let's go around the circle and share in one or two sentences either a way God has helped you overcome a disappointment in life or a disappointment you need Him to help you overcome. Then share something practical things we can do during times of disappointment.
    a. Keep whiny people away and positive, solid-minded people close.

    b. Don't neglect time alone with God.

    c. Talk to a trustworthy, godly adult.

    d. Guard your heart, thought life, and time. Now isn't the time to let discipline go. It's easy to throw your hands up and say, "Forget it!" and go out and do something stupid. Be your own best friend and guard yourself from this!
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