Locations & Times

What if the broken places in your life are exactly where God makes you stronger?

In this message from 2 Timothy 2:1-7, we explore three powerful images—a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer—and what they reveal about how we grow through resistance, discipline, and rest.

Whether you're in a season of suffering, struggling to stay disciplined, or just running on empty, this message is for you.

Scott Nickell
May 17th, 2026

// Bible References: 2 Tim 2:1-7; James 5:7-8; Matt 11:28-30; Rom 5:6; 2 Cor 12: 8-10;

// Community Question: What’s one thing you’re most looking forward to this summer—and one thing you think might test your patience?

// Discussion Questions

1. The sermon emphasizes that God's grace frees us from using past hurts as excuses and empowers us to do meaningful work while resting in God's control rather than our own strength. How might accepting God's grace free you to move forward and become stronger? What past hurt, failure, or weakness have you used as an excuse to avoid growth?
   
   
2. Scott shared the Ernest Hemingway quote: ‘The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.' Why do some people become stronger after being broken while others don't? How does our reliance on God’s grace in responding when facing difficulty make a difference?
   
   
3. The balance between work and rest was a key theme in the sermon. How do we know when to 'pick it up' (embrace resistance and hard work) versus when to 'put it down' (rest and trust God's control)? Looking at your current life rhythm, are you better at embracing resistance/hard work or at resting well? What practical steps could you take to bring more balance to whichever area you struggle with?
   
   
4. Going Deeper: Read 2 Tim 2:1-7. Scott uses three pictures of spiritual strength. A Soldier (Discipline and Self-denial), an Athlete (submission to rules and authority), and a Farmer (patience and hard work). Why do you think Paul chose these specific examples to teach Timothy about spiritual strength? Which of these three examples (soldier, athlete, farmer) do you most relate to in your current season of life? What is one specific way you could apply their example to grow stronger spiritually?
   
   

// Challenge: Scott shared a powerful example of restoration in his friend’s marriage after he humbled himself and embraced the paradox of grace: “When we are weak, then we are strong.”

What is a situation in your life that looks beyond repair and you need God’s grace to intervene? What is one step you can take this week to begin to surrender to God’s truth and embrace the grace that can heal the most damaged part of our lives?