Thank U Next

• See who in your group can guess the next words in each phrase the fastest:

• • Houston, we have ________. (a problem)
  • Actions speak ________. (louder than words)
  • Between a rock ________. (and a hard place)
  • Curiosity killed ________. (the cat)
  • Close, but no ________. (cigar)

• Tim’s family loves dessert. What’s your favorite dessert?

• Are you more of a planner or a visionary? What do you like/dislike about it?

Ask eGroup members to share their favorite points from the sermon, what spoke to them, a phrase or moment from the sermon they related to the most, or questions they have. If members have a hard time recalling the sermon, talk through your notes and share your favorite points.

• Tim’s son got mad when he kept getting told “no.” How good are you at responding to “no”? (Do you brush it off easily, or do you get mad/upset?)

• Read Matthew 3:13-17. Just like Tim’s son, John wanted things done a different way — he wanted Jesus to baptize him instead of the other way around. How often do you try to get God to see things your way? Give some specific examples.

• • (If you have time, encourage your group members to share about a time when God did things His way and it turned out better than they had planned.)

• When we’re trying to get God to do something our way, that means we’re focused on NEXT instead of NOW. (This could also look like getting ahead of God’s timing, or planning so much for tomorrow you let today slip away, etc.) Give some examples of “nexts” and “nows” we have in our lives. Which ones stand out in your life right now?

• What’s next is up to Jesus — what’s now is up to you. Does this statement challenge your thinking? What are some benefits of prioritizing now instead of what’s next? (Spend some time letting your group discuss the differences between a healthy and unhealthy relationship with what’s “next.”)

• How are you looking toward what’s next in this season? (What things are you waiting on? What’s something you’re wanting God to do?) Now read Luke 10:38-42. Mary chose to focus on now, but Martha sacrificed her now because she was distracted by preparations for what was next. What are you sacrificing in your now because you’re prioritizing what’s next?

• Identify some simple ways we can turn our minds to now when we get caught up in thinking about what’s next. (How can we celebrate or show gratitude in the now, what are some ways we can slow down, what does it look like to put “next” back in God’s hands, share ideas for how to use what you have, etc.) Talk about some specific ways you could be better at focusing on now instead of next in your life.

Think back to what you said you’re sacrificing because of your focus on “next.” Each day this week, spend some time in that “now.” Also, challenge yourself to show gratitude and thank God for your now while you trust Him with what’s next.

Ask eGroup members to share any prayer requests they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week.

Father, thank You for now. Thank You for every blessing You’ve given us that we forget to be grateful for. Please help us see the difference between planning for what’s next and prioritizing next over now. Give us greater wisdom to embrace what’s now and greater faith to trust You with what’s next. In Jesus’ name, amen.