Conversation Starters
Looking for a way to get the group talking? Try one of these conversation starters.
This week, we talked about the importance of praising God. What are three things that you’re thankful for this week?
According to Pastor Steven, David was the greatest rapper of all time. Who are your favorite musical artists and why?
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 Psalm 34:4. When David wrote he “sought the Lord,” he wrote it AFTER God had brought Him through his situation. David still chose to seek God, even when he was afraid. Pastor Steven said, “My faith doesn’t keep me from feeling fear, but my faith keeps me seeking God in my fear.”
Share a time when God brought you through something that you can look back on now and remember His faithfulness.
What is something you are currently facing that can cause you to feel afraid? What would continuing to seek God look like for you when that fear comes up?
God doesn’t need us to have the perfect words to pray in order for us to seek him. What simple prayer do you need to pray this week, trusting God will hear them? (Examples: help me, I need you, grant me peace, etc.)
What reminder are you going to set to make sure you continue saying this prayer throughout the week? (A reminder on your phone, write it in your bathroom mirror, etc.)
Read 1 Samuel 21:12-13. When David “sought” the Lord, it happened when his fear made him feel crazy from not knowing what was going to happen. Sometimes it can feel like we’re going crazy when we’re in an U.G.L.Y. Trust season — waiting Until God Lifts You. Pastor Steven taught us that, “our seeking is defined by what we do in the space between when we seek Him and when He answers — our U.G.L.Y. Trust.”
What is the hardest part about being in an U.G.L.Y. Trust season, waiting for God to hear you?
What helps to strengthen your faith in the in-between time — the time between when you seek Him and when He answers?
When you are in a season of feeling like God isn’t answering your prayers, what are some practical things that you can do to keep you connected to God and His promises? (Staying in community, listening to worship, memorizing scripture, etc).
Read 1 Samuel 27:1. Escaping to the land of the Philistines wasn’t David’s ideal situation — it was simply the next best thing for him to do. Sometimes we can’t do exactly what we want to. God doesn’t always show us everything He has planned, but He shows us the next best step. And that’s the best thing for us to do.
Share a time when you saw God show up in your life as a result of doing “the next best thing” in a situation?
What situation are you currently in where the ideal result isn’t coming to pass? What might be the next best step for you to take?
Fill in this sentence and share it with your eGroup: “This week, even when I’m struggling with __________, I will do the next best thing, which is ____________.”
How can we (as a group) help encourage you in that?
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.In your current season, how can you choose to seek God and lift him up, even in situations that feel messy?In your phone or on a piece of paper, write down your messiest prayers. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just your honest prayers and thoughts to God. Then take a moment to write down the ways in which God has been faithful to you. Let this be a reminder that you can still praise God and lift him up in the middle of your mess.Pastor Steven taught us about U.G.L.Y. Trust (Until God Lifts You). We can still have U.G.L.Y. Trust when we praise God, when we give Him our messy, unfiltered praise and blessing. Psalm 34:1 says: “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Blessing the Lord at “all times” includes our messy, ugly faith seasons.
Prayer
Close out your group with prayer using one of these options
An Interactive Prayer
Get into small groups or pairs and share with one another about a prayer that you’re still waiting on the answer for. Pray over one another — that God will grant each person the faith to continue seeking Him even in the midst of the confusion and waiting. Pray for each person to have the wisdom and strength to know the next best step to take.
A Guided Prayer
Dear God, thank you that when I pray to you, you hear me. Help me remember that I can come to you just as I am, even in the middle of my fear and my mess. Thank you that you have a plan even when it’s not always clear. Please show me what my next best thing is, and help me walk towards that in faith. 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.Listen to “Trust In God” by Elevation Worship to keep this week’s message fresh in your heart and mind! Watch “Don’t Fight Your Future” for encouragement on how to nurture our now to get to the fruit of our future.Watch this short video from Pastor Steven called God Of My Struggles as a reminder that God accepts us just as we are.