2 Kings 11:1-3 | 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:21

1. Read From Ahaziah to Athaliah and An Overview of Athaliah & Jehoiada. Briefly, what stands out to you about Queen Ahaziah and/or Jehoiada?
2. What is one situation you are facing right now that seems utterly hopeless unless God intervenes or moves in power? How are you navigating that situation? Pay attention to what everyone shares because we'll return to the subject several times throughout our discussion.
3. Read 2 Chronicles 23:1-7. Sometimes faithfulness looks like quietly waiting and trusting in God's timing. Sometimes it looks like bold action, stepping forward when the moment comes. Each requires courage. Each requires faith. After years of faithfully waiting, Jehoiada finally "took courage" and sprang into action (2 Chronicles 23:11). Thinking about the situation that feels utterly hopeless, what does faithfulness look like for you right now—waiting or action? Explain.
4. Read 2 Chronicles 23:8-21. Confronting great evil often requires the coordinated effort of many, not just the courage of a single individual. In this story, the priests, Levites, and commanders all played essential roles. What stands out to you about this story? Also, what does this story teach us about the importance of cooperation and unity in facing evil, and why couldn't facing evil have been accomplished by one person alone?
5. Who are some people you can invite into the situation you're facing that feels utterly hopeless?
6. James 5:7-8 says, "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." Spend some time meditating on this instruction from James 5, and then go to God in prayer for one another about the situations you're each facing.