Trusting Through The Tearing

• What’s your favorite season and why?
• This week, we learned how Jacob needs a curfew. Are you a night owl or early bird?
• For the women: how many of you got a chance to join us for Reflect?! What’s one takeaway you’re still thinking about?

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

• Pastor Steven said, “I’ve got goodness, and if I mess up, I’ve got mercy.” When you look back on your life, where have you seen God’s goodness and mercy?
• Read Genesis 32:29. God blessed Jacob there, in the in-between – between where Jacob had been and where he was going. Share an area where you feel like you’re currently in the in-between. How are you seeing God’s blessings there in your life?
• We learned that the enemy is good at filling up our in-between spaces with distractions so we don’t see God. What are the ways the enemy tries to distract you, and how can you combat them?
• The reality of life is that we’re torn in many directions. In what ways do you feel pulled in several directions right now? How can you trust God through the tearing?
• What Jacob had spent so long worrying about (meeting Esau again), God had already worked out when Jacob got there. Share a time that you spent worrying about something that God had already worked out.
• We all have sinful tendencies (lazy, prone to self pity, selfish, arrogant, etc). Where are you feeling that tension in your life right now? Now read Romans 8:30. In Christ, we’re called, justified, and glorified. How can you start to replace those tendencies with this declaration from Romans 8:30?

Will we walk in our new nature, or our old name? Spend a couple minutes thinking about where you might be running from your calling or your new nature. What are some practical steps you can take this week to walk in your new nature and step towards what God is calling you to do?   Examples:

• Reflect on this week’s passage when God changed Jacob’s name.
• Tell a friend about what you think God might be calling you to in this season.
• Make a list of God’s blessings in your life to keep you focused on His goodness.

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

Father, thank you that you are always at work in our in-between places. Please open our eyes to all the blessings you are bringing to our lives right now. Help us to trust you as you guide us on new paths. Thank you for your strength that upholds us. In Jesus name, Amen.

• Listen to “Hold on to Me” by Elevation Worship.
• Watch the sermon “Beta Blessings” for a reminder not to give up on our blessings before we see them come to pass.
• Listen to this podcast from The Bible Project to learn more about Jacob wrestling with God.