We've heard this week from guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, about his battle with addiction, and how God carried him through to the other side. It's interesting to think that the very thing that God gifted him with - his incredible musical ability - became the thing that caused him to crash. He was in the middle of a world tour when he realised he was caught up in something he could no longer handle, and by turning to drugs to try and cope, life got out of control. Does that story resonate with you? I'd like to hear about your experiences. 

DISCUSSION POINTS

• Have you had a time when the thing you loved the most, the thing that you're cut out for, maybe even the thing that God called you to, caused you to crash?
 
• Perhaps you became highly involved in your work or an area of ministry, putting lots of runs on the board, but you lost sight of why you were doing it in the first place?

• Maybe you became so successful at something, that it got out of hand and you couldn't handle the pressure? 

• Have you faced a time when you had to admit that the thing you loved, was ruining you -  maybe a business, or a creative pursuit, or some volunteer role - and you had to let it go or pause for a while, to take stock?

• What was it that brought you to that point?

• When people are highly successful, particularly people of faith, we tend to expect them to be squeaky clean... But Tommy's very honest story shows us that no-ones immune from stumbling... Did you have a similar time when you had to admit to people who looked up to you, that you were struggling?

• Maybe you're one of these creative, energetic types like Tommy who doesn't do things halves - if you take something up, you'll do it 110%... Has that ever been your downfall?

• Did you have a time when your greatest strength brought out your weakness?