A Troubled Mind And An Open Door
Pastor Steven Furtick
Conversation Starters
You’re troubled about something — what’s the best way to get your mind off it?
Which city would you love to sail to: the Greek Isles, the British Virgin Islands, Zanzibar Island in Tanzania, or the Whitsunday Islands in Australia?
What’s a movie that always (or almost) makes you cry?
Review
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.
Make It Personal
“There’s something awesome about the Lord opening doors. There’s something awesome about the Lord closing doors.” When have you experienced each in your life?
Some of us are losing the opportunity because we won’t let go of the offense. What offenses are you holding onto? How might those be limiting your opportunities? (Identify areas of your life where you’re likely to hold onto an offense and strategies we can use to avoid offense.)
Read 2 Corinthians 2:10-13. Describe an area of your life where your body might be there, but your mind is somewhere else. Where is your mind? How is that keeping you out of the opportunity that’s present in those moments?
There’s always a devil at the door when you’re about to step into something important. What devils have you been fighting? How does it encourage you to know the size of the devil is an indicator of the size of your assignment?
Go Deeper. Read John 8:44. The enemy is a liar, and he’s using a story to keep you from going through your door. What story are you listening to? Determine one or two people in your life you can talk to about the stories you’re hearing and who can remind you of the truth of how God is working in your life.
The enemy wants to keep you focused on the disappointments, outcomes you can’t control, offenses you can’t get over, and regrets of opportunities you can’t get back. Which of those is most challenging for you? Share with the group some examples of how you’ve been focusing on that instead of the doors in front of you.
Read Revelation 3:7-8. No one can shut the doors God opens, and no one can open the doors God shuts. How does that encourage you? Where do you most need to believe that?
Act On It
Give your distraction and worries to God and believe His hand is controlling every door in your life. Let that encourage you to live like “Titus is coming” and have joy. Take time this week to talk to your eGroup Leader, a trusted friend, or someone who can point you to God’s truth about who you are and what He has called you to.
Prayer Requests And Prayer
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 placing an open door before us. Thank You for the doors You’ve closed and the doors You’ve opened. Show us where we need to let go of offenses so we can embrace more opportunities from You. We praise You for the comfort You offer us now and the joy that’s ahead because You’re the God Who has already worked out what we’re worried about. In Jesus’ name, amen.