March 15 2026
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
What is St. Patrick’s Day for you? A religious observance? An excuse to party? Or just another day?
barely breathing pt. 2
SPEAKER: Pastor Everett Whiteside
Scriptures—
John 4:3-30 (consider breaking it up and having several people read different parts)
Key Takeaways—
We only think about breathing when we can't breathe; similarly, we often don't recognize our spiritual need until we're struggling
Jesus meets people at their lowest points, not after they've cleaned themselves up
The woman came to the well at noon, alone, indicating isolation driven by guilt and shame
God sees value where others (and we ourselves) see only failure
Jesus addresses our false wells—the things we draw identity and satisfaction from that leave us empty
Failed relationships and struggles actually qualify us for divine appointments rather than disqualify us
When we meet the living water, we leave behind the our old sources of identity, our old wells
Our struggles and painful experiences are not wasted; God can turn them around for our good and the good of others
Discussion Questions—
Jesus 'needed to go through Samaria' for a divine appointment. Can you identify a time when God orchestrated circumstances to meet you at your lowest point (or someone else’s lowest point) without your awareness?
The woman came to the well at noon, alone, likely due to shame and isolation. How does guilt drive us into isolation today, and what keeps us from bringing our full selves into community?
Pastor Whiteside said our struggles qualify us for divine assignments rather than disqualify us. How does this perspective change the way you view your past failures and pain?
Jesus addressed the woman's false wells—the relationships and things she drew identity from. What are the modern-day 'wells' or cisterns we drink from that leave us perpetually thirsty?
The woman went from coming out of the city defeated to returning with a declaration to 'come see a man - that is to see Jesus.' How does God’s transformation of us serve as an invitation others to encounter Jesus?
The sermon emphasizes that nothing in your life is wasted and that God can turn even shameful things around for good. How does believing this truth change the way you process your past and approach your future?
Practical application—
Remember to join the Rust City Bible plan for this sermon series
Choose ONE or more of the following practices to implement this week:
Option 1: Examination
Identify Your Wells
Take time this week to journal about what "wells" you've been drinking from that leave you thirsty
Ask God to reveal any false sources of identity or satisfaction
Write down one specific well you need to surrender to Jesus
Option 2: Revelation
Break the Isolation
If you've been isolating due to shame or struggle, reach out to one trusted person this week
Share something you've been hiding (appropriate to the relationship)
Ask them to pray with you
Option 3: action
Declaring Like She Did
The woman went back declaring, "Come see a man!"
Share your testimony with someone this week about how Jesus has met you
Invite someone to church or to this small group
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for divine appointments scheduled in our lowest moments. Thank You that our value doesn't change based on our failures. Help us recognize the broken wells we keep drinking from and trade them for You, the living water. Fill our lungs with fresh breath so we move from barely breathing to fully living. Give us courage to become a witness to Your transforming love.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.