The Mystery Of Potential

• Which mystery would you rather know the answer to: what caused the Bermuda Triangle disappearances, why Stonehenge was created, or whether Atlantis was real and where it is?

• What’s a piece of technology you don’t use to its full potential?

• Were you an only child, the oldest, the youngest, or somewhere in the middle? What did you like 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.

• What’s something you were good at as a kid, and you wish you’d developed it more?

• How would you define potential? Where do you see potential in your life right now?

• Read Ecclesiastes 11:5-6 in the NIV, CEV, and MSG translations. How do you interpret this passage? Does it shift the way you view potential? (Challenge your group to be specific.)

• What are some judgments you’ve made about your own potential? (What standards are you measuring yourself against? Are you judging a seed too early?) What’s the risk in that?

• We never know something’s potential by praying about it, but by plowing and planting. Think about a situation in your life where you’re wondering what God’s will is. Are you sowing (or not sowing) into that situation? Talk about it.

• What has God put in you that you haven’t invested back into Him? What are some ways you can?

• The first thing that has to happen for a seed to be planted is release. What do you need to release? (e.g., control, encouragement, forgiveness, bitterness, expectation, etc.) Explain why.

• Describe a couple of challenges you face in releasing. Why’s it hard?

• The second thing is remain. Share some places where you’re firmly planted. Are there any places or situations you’re tempted not to remain in? (This could be physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.) Why is it hard to remain?

• How do you press on when you don’t know how God is moving? Read Ruth 1:8-17. Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law, and later, while she was gathering leftover grain in a field, she met a wealthy man named Boaz, who would become her husband. What lessons from Ruth’s story can you apply to your own life?

We should always be sowing. Where have you stopped sowing? Tell the group two ways you’re going to intentionally sow some seeds this week, then do it!

Ask eGroup members to share any prayer requests they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week.
  
Father, we’re grateful for how anything in our lives can be transformed by one breath from You. Thank You for the potential You’ve placed inside each of us and for the potential of every challenge we face. Help us focus this week on releasing and remaining. Reveal the opportunities we have to sow good seeds, and encourage us to remain so You can help us grow. In Jesus’ name, amen.