Giglio - The Comeback Study Guide: Its Not Too Late and Youre Never Too Far

They say everybody loves a comeback story. And whats not to love? A smaller, weaker, less capable underdog goes up against the bigger, stronger, more talented opponent. It seems as if the writing is on the wall and there is no way the underdog can win the contest until... something happens! The tide starts to turn in the underdogs favor. The underdog keeps the pressure on his opponent with the sheer impossibility of the circumstances fueling his determination, until... triumph! What seemed impossible has been accomplished. A contest that seemed like certain defeat has, inexplicably, turned into a victory, and the underdog has come out on top!

You can see why we love these stories. What drama! What excitement! Whether it is a sporting event, movie, or television program, we love a good underdog story because somewhere, down deep, we know its our story too. There are a lot of things we encounter in this life that feel insurmountable. Our circumstances can feel like a bigger, stronger, more capable opponent and we, well, we feel small, weak, and hopeless. Do you know that place? If so, you are in the right place, because God has good news for you.

The comeback is that crucial moment in the underdog story when the tide starts to turn. Its when the momentum starts to grow until, against all odds, the underdog begins to win. However, such comebacks do not come by chance, luck, or good fortune. They come about because there is a God who is on our side and who is actively working to make them possible in our lives! Trust in this God-for-us reality is what drives this study, and it is what you will be invited to open up to during the next few weeks.

God is the God of the comeback, and if youre longing for some sort of a turnaround or fresh start or new direction, this study is for you. In the next six sessions, we will look at stories of men and women in the Bible to see how God gives hope to the hopeless, direction to the directionless, and help for those who need help. In each session, expect an opening question, a short Bible study, and some time with Louie on the video. The real action will come after the video, when you dig into each topic through a guided small group experience. During this time, your group will be invited to participate in a practical activity designed to move that sessions comeback lesson from your head to your heart. This section is called Opening Up to the Comeback, and it should serve as a place where the big ideas of The Comeback take on some flesh-and-blood reality.

Its going to be great! However, if you want to get the most out of your Comeback experience, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. First, the real growth in this study will happen during your small group time. This is where you will process the content of Louies message, ask questions, and learn from others as you listen to what God is doing in their lives.

Second, remember that as much as small groups can be a deeply rewarding time of intimacy and friendship, they can also be a challenge. Work to make your group a safe place. That means being honest about your own thoughts and feelings as well as listening carefully to everyone elses opinion.

Third, resist the temptation to fix a problem someone might be having or to correct his or her beliefs. Thats not what this time is for.

Finally, keep everything your group shares confidential. All this will foster a rewarding sense of community in your Comeback group and give Gods Spirit some space to heal, challenge, and engineer a comeback in your life.

As youll discover, The Comeback is as personal as it is practical. Each session begins with an icebreaker question followed by a reflection from the Bible. You will then watch the video of Louie Giglios message and jump into some directed small group discussion. Even though there are many questions available for your small group, dont feel like you have to use them all. Your leader will focus on the ones that resonate most with your group and guide you from there.

The final component of each session is called Opening Up to the Comeback. This is where The Comeback might be unique from other studies you may have experienced. Here your group will engage in a hands-on practical exercise that seeks to move the good news of the study from the head to the heart. Think of this time as an answer to the question, What am I supposed to do with this message?

These exercises are meant to be completed during your group time, and they will be what you make of them. If you choose to only go through the motions, or if you decide to not participate, there is a lesser chance youll find what youre looking for in this study. But if you stay open-minded and take a chance, youll discover what so many others have already found to be true: faith comes alive when you take holy risks for God.

Now, it is understandable if the thought of risky activities makes you anxious. Thats okay. If you fall into this category, just read ahead to each Opening Up to the Comeback section. This way, you will know not only whats coming but also how to prepare yourself. None of these exercises involves anything inappropriate or embarrassing. They are just hands-on opportunities for you to participate with God in the comeback he so eagerly wants for you.

Following your group time, there will be three more opportunities for you to engage with the content of The Comeback during the week. The first is activity-based (Action), the second is a Bible study (Contemplation), and the third is a meditation on a chapter from the book (Reflection). The challenge is to do at least one of these activities between sessions and to use this study guide to record what you learn. Beginning in Session 2, you will have time before the video to check in about the previous weeks activity and process your experiences as a group. Dont worry if you couldnt do an activity one week or are just joining the study. Hearing what others have learned will be nourishment enough.

Remember that whatever problems youre going through, God already knows what the solutions are. No matter what kind of grief or pain or trouble or heartache you encounter, he can provide for your needs. God is in the business of giving comebacks to people, and even when things look their bleakest, they may not be that way at all. Help is at hand.

So, are you ready to receive what God has in store for you? Are you ready to start your comeback? Lets jump into The Comeback and begin.

IF YOU ARE A GROUP LEADER, there are additional instructions and resources in the back of the book for leading the Opening Up to the Comeback sections. Because some of the activities require materials and setup, make sure you read this section over so you will be prepared for each weeks activity.

What were celebrating here is the God of all the comeback stories.

Louie Giglio

Orientation

Have you ever watched parents try to get their children to apologize to each other when it is clear neither of those children want to? It is truly painful to watch. The parents know they are doing the right thing by steering their children toward forgiveness and reconciliation, yet as the kids resist, it becomes clear the whole affair is going nowhere. Why? Because the kids are just not open to it. Sure, the parents may succeed in getting the two of them to say, Im sorry, but everyone knows theyre just going through the motions. And true reconciliation is not possible unless both parties are willing to open up.