Water Walking 101

• If you had to teach a “101” class on how to do something, what would it be on?

• What’s something basic that makes you happy? (e.g., a nap, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, listening to the rain, etc.)

• If you could go for a walk anywhere, where would it be? (e.g., a mountain trail, along the beach, in a park with a dog, etc.)

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.

Pastor Steven gave six points during this sermon: certain storms are unavoidable, God’s timing is designed to teach you to trust, “what if” works both ways, the deepest things God speaks will often be the simplest, big moves don’t always prove great faith, and grace and faith go hand in hand.

• Share with the group some ways your faith has grown this year. How has God used this season to challenge your faith? What “wind” are you facing?

• Read Matthew 14:22. The devil didn’t make the disciples get in the boat — Jesus did. The one with all wisdom put the disciples in what seemed like a dangerous situation. How does that challenge your perspective on the wind you’re facing?

• Certain storms are unavoidable. We can get so busy trying to get out of storms that we miss what God wants us to learn THROUGH the storm. What storms have you learned from? What are you learning right now?

• Read John 11:1-7. God’s timing is designed to teach you to trust. How has that been true in your life? Share a story about how God’s timing helped you learn to trust Him.

• “What if” works both ways. Share some “what ifs” you’re dealing with. What would the flip side of those “what ifs” be? (e.g., instead of “what if I don’t find a job,” “what if God is preparing the perfect job for me?”) (Where are you looking for details? How can you ask for direction instead?)

• The deepest things God speaks will often be the simplest. We’d rather learn something new than practice something old. Have you been neglecting the “old” that you know and should be practicing? How have you not been doing what you know to be true? (e.g., being grateful, loving others, offering forgiveness, etc.)

• • Some of the things that are against you will enable you to hear God more clearly. Share how you’ve experienced this truth before. Were there things you did to lean into the wind? (e.g., praying more often, studying your Bible, seeking God’s wisdom before you made decisions, etc.)

• Read Matthew 14:25-33. Big moves don’t always prove great faith. Peter’s faith wasn’t in his ability to make it to Jesus; it was in Jesus’ ability to catch him. You’ve got a good catcher! Where can you stretch yourself to go ahead and “make the throw” because you believe you’ve got a good catcher? (i.e., where’s a place you’re afraid to fail, so you’re not trying?)

• Grace and faith go hand in hand. We don’t walk on water with our feet, but with the Word. Are there things you’ve been trying to do in your own strength or wisdom? What would it look like to bring more grace and faith into those situations?

We walk on water not with our feet, but with the Word. Walk with the Word this week. (You could: start each day with prayer, write verses on sticky notes and put them around your house, start a Bible reading plan with someone in your eGroup, commit to rewatching the sermon and then talking about it with someone, etc.)

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 the way You use even the storms and the wind in our lives to teach us more about You and grow our faith. Guide us this week as we walk with the Word — give us wisdom and courage to take the steps that You want for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.