Conversation Starters
Looking for a way to get the group talking? Try one of these conversation starters.
LOVE Week 2023 events went live this week! What event do we want to sign up for together as an eGroup?
Pastor Steven told us that the kings in 2 Kings went seven days without water. What is something you couldn’t go seven days without?
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 2 Kings 3:15-19. The kings had to trust that God would fill the valley with water, despite not seeing “wind nor rain.” They had to trust what God said, not what they saw. Pastor Steven taught us the greatest skill for dealing with dry places in our lives is shifting from “this is_____” to “thus says_____.” We have to focus on what God says over what we see.
Share a time when a circumstance seemed tough, but it suddenly changed for the better in a way you didn’t expect.
In what area of your life do you want to commit to focusing more on what God says, rather than how the situation seems?
Using this area, fill in the blank: “this is _______, but thus says the Lord, ______.”
What can you do this week to help remind you of God’s promise in this area when you feel discouraged?
Read 2 Kings 3:22-24. Even though the kings had to wait overnight for water, God timed it so the water looked like blood to trick the Moabites. God knew what He was doing with the timing, even when the kings did not. “Let go of how you thought it was supposed to go.”
How would your prayers and decisions change if you knew that God was right on schedule and He hasn’t abandoned you?
What area in your life do you feel like you’ve been waiting for an answer or solution for a long time?
When you’re tempted to ask God “when” or “how” this week, what step can you take instead to trust His timing? (Pause and say a quick prayer, play a worship song about trusting Him, post a sticky note that says, “trust” on your mirror or in your phone, etc.)
Read Matthew 6:5-6. Jesus says to pray in secret since God rewards what is done in secret. Pastor Steven said most of the stuff we recognize all of a sudden flows from something that wasn’t all of a sudden — both good and bad. “Secret things produce sudden things. Gradually, then suddenly.”
Share about a time when you did something gradually in secret and God worked suddenly.
What is one area you feel called to work on “in secret” with God? What is one step you can take this week to work on that area in secret?
What is one good thing you want to “‘suddenly” happen in your life? What steps can you begin taking “in secret” to gradually prepare?
Pastor Steven talked about what to do when navigating a “no.” He said, “If you’re not careful, after enough “no’s,” you can start to make “no” your emotional home. Instead, with every “no,” we should be digging ditches to get ready for God to fill them. When the water flows, are you going to be where you’re supposed to be?
What are some examples of how our response can impact the outcome of a situation? (Getting critiqued at work, being offended by a friend, etc.)
Fill in the blank with an area of your life: I don’t know how God will do_______, but I’ll keep digging until He does!
Keeping this area in mind, answer Pastor Steven’s question: “what will you do until God does?” In other words, what steps can you take this week as you prepare for God to move?
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.Pastor talked about the difference between “this is” and “thus says.” For example, you could say “this is unfair” about a circumstance, or you could say “He will repay me double” (Zech. 9:12). The Bible is a great place to find out what God has to say about your situation!Draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper, then write “this is…” on one side and “thus says…” on the other. Under “this is…”, write 2-3 negative phrases you’ve told yourself about a situation you’re facing (for example: this is hopeless, I’m not good enough, God isn’t for me). Then, using the Bible, sermon notes, trusted friends, and resources, write a reminder of God’s truth about the situation under “thus says…”. Share it with your group, and add any others that speak to you.Post these “thus says…” statements somewhere you will see them every day this week as an encouragement.
Prayer
Close out your group with prayer using one of these options
An Interactive Prayer
On a single sheet of paper, have each group member write one broad area where they want God to “fill a ditch” they’ve been digging (for example: finances, marriage, school, work, children, friendships, etc.). After everyone is done, have each group member pray over one of the areas that someone else wrote down. Have the leader close in prayer.
A Guided Prayer
Dear God, thank you for your perfect timing. You fill the ditches we dig and the prayers we pray in secret. Please enter into the dry places in our lives, our hearts, and our souls and fill them. As we step into this new week, please show us the dry places you want us digging, and strengthen us to continue digging even when we don’t feel like it. We love you. In Jesus’ name we pray. 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.
If you missed last week, check out Part 1 of Pastor Steven’s message, “A Steady Hand For a Sudden Blessing.”
Listen to this clip from Pastor Holly’s message, “Sudden Strength,” for a prayer exercise for sudden strength.
Listen to “See a Victory” to remind you to trust what God says rather than what you see. If you need something a little more chill, we’ve got just the acoustic version just for you.