Conversation Starters
Looking for a way to get the group talking? Try one of these conversation starters.
We are officially entering into the season of the Summer of More! What are some things that you are looking forward to doing this summer?
Pastor Steven came back to the hymn, “Great is thy Faithfulness.” Share your favorite hymn or worship song that you come back to over and over again?
Sermon Reflection
Help transition the group to the discussion with one of these questions.
What stood out to you from this week’s message?
What from the message encouraged you/challenged you the most?
Sermon Discussion
Select 1-2 themes from the sermon to discuss with your eGroup.
Read Acts 1:7-8. “I’ll know it when I need to!” Pastor Steven talked about how we may not know the plan, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have the power. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be ready for what God is calling us to, but God will reveal it when we need to know it.
Share a time when things worked out in a situation, even though you didn’t know the entire plan.
What’s an area of your life that you have questions around that you can begin to trust God to reveal himself to you in His timing. (a work promotion, parenting situation, financial decisions, etc.)
What’s one way you can be preparing in the meantime? How can you be empowered this week while waiting?
Read 2 Kings 3:5-9. While the kings were on their way to fight one battle, they found themselves facing another struggle that weakened them: running out of water. Pastor Steven talked about how we don’t always get to show up for our missions fresh and feeling good. A lot of times, we will not be in the mood we were in when called into the mission.
Can you remember a time when you weren’t feeling good, but you still showed up. How did God work through you and bless you?
What is a mission that you feel God has called you into during this season?
What unexpected battles have weakened you while pursuing that mission?
How can you be proactive to keep your strength at times when you feel weakened?
Pastor Steven talked about how we experience God working in our lives. It first feels Slow, we prepare Steadily, God responds Suddenly, then He calls us into Stewarding. The blessings that God gives us in certain areas of our lives can allow us to be a blessing to other people around us.
Share a time where you were steady in your preparation, and you saw God respond suddenly (explosive growth in a business, being prepared for an interview, etc.)
What area of your life does God have you stewarding now? (parenting, finances, work, emotional healing, etc.)
What are some ways that God can use you to help lead others who may need help in this area as well? (maybe you can lead an eGroup for new parents, or you can provide mentorship to a new business owner, etc.)
Sometimes it comes suddenly, and sometimes it doesn’t. In the times that it doesn’t, His hand holds me steadily. “The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”
Share something that you are waiting for God to act suddenly in and name specifically what you are asking from God on that situation (wisdom for what school to go to, strength for a medical diagnosis, perseverance for a difficult situation, etc.)
What reminders can you use this week to remember God is holding you steadily, even when you don’t see Him answering?
What can you do this week to prepare steadily, so that you’re ready when God responds suddenly?
Activating Faith
Challenge your group to keep activating their faith. Make this a part of your eGroup time or send this activity to them after you meet.This Sunday, Pastor Steven shared a way to help reset our heart. When we find ourselves dealing with an unexpected situation, we can respond with, “BUT NOW…”For example:
I didn’t know that relationship would be unhealthy for me, BUT NOW I know to set healthy boundaries.
I thought that I was going to get that job promotion, BUT NOW I know how to prepare for the next one.
Take some time this week to reset your heart. On a piece of paper, write out some “BUT NOW” statements that you are working through. Allow this reset to change your perspective and help you remember that God is still holding you steadily. Reflect on these statements in the morning as you prepare for your day, or at night as you prepare for bed.
Prayer
Close out your group with prayer using one of these options
An Interactive Prayer
Have each person in your eGroup share one word describing something they are trusting God to respond with (wisdom, strength, etc.) Have each member pray specifically for the person to their right about what they shared. Have the eGroup leader close the prayer.
A Guided Prayer
Dear God, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you that you are consistently working even if we don’t see or feel it. Remind me this week to work steadily, choosing the next best thing in all areas of my life. Help me to remember even when it feels slow, that I can work steadily and you can respond suddenly. Thank you for the word you have given us, may it increase my faith this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Additional Resources
Want to help your group go deeper after you meet? Send them one of these resources that relates to the sermon topic.Watch “Been Here Before” by Pastor Steven to remind yourself there’s more of what God has promised you when you put in the work to produce it.Watch this short from Elevation+ to remind yourself to keep trusting God until He lifts you!If you haven’t had a chance yet, check out the new album from Elevation Worship – Can You Imagine?