I See It Now
Dr. Dharius Daniels
Conversation Starters
If you could see any sight with your own eyes, what would it be? (e.g., The Grand Canyon, earth from space, The Great Barrier Reef, the Louvre Museum, the Aurora Borealis, The Amazon Rainforest, etc.)What’s the best movie you’ve ever seen?Take a look at some of these optical illusions with your group and talk about what you see.
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
“Hindsight is 20/20.” Have you ever had a moment in your life when that was true? Share it with the group.
Pastor Dharius called this the Principle of Perspective: Where you sit determines what you see, and what you see determines what you do. How have you experienced or witnessed this truth? Where are you “sitting” right now that’s affecting what you see and do? (e.g., you could be sitting in bitterness, joy, judgment, obedience, sadness, etc.)
Read Job 1:1-11. Job walked through a season of ambiguity — seasons like that can show us the difference between what we think we need and what we really need. What are some things you’ve learned you didn’t really need? (Talk about how that process influenced your relationship with God, how it gave you more freedom, etc.)
In seasons of ambiguity, we sometimes have to move forward without answers or closure. Are there answers (or closure) you’ve been waiting on in this season before moving forward?
Why do you think God recommended Job to Satan? What could be some reasons God allows things like that to happen to people?
Pastor Daniels said Satan was after Job’s commitment. What has the enemy really been after in your life? Why is it important to recognize his true goal?
From chapter 4 up to chapter 38, Job questioned God. Is there a right way and a wrong way to question God?
Read Job 42:1-5. God didn’t give Job assurance about “it” — He gave Job assurance about Him. What’s the difference between seeking assurance from God about a situation versus seeking assurance from Him about who He is? How can we seek assurance about who God is? (Share about someone you know who does this well, talk about the challenges of seeking assurance the right way, etc.)
Where is your focus — uncertainty or certainty — and how is it manifesting?
Have you been thinking more about what you got through or about the things that “didn’t get through the hedge”? How can thinking on those things help you focus more on certainty about who God is?
Act On It
Pick one of these options to help you act on this week’s message:
“I was complaining about the mess and missing the miracle that I was alive to complain.” Make a list of everything you’ve been complaining about — write that quote on top or over that list, and put it on your mirror so you can see it. Each time you see that list, thank God.
Psalm 8:2. Praise creates a stronghold. God is good, God is for you, and God is faithful. Create a fortress around your thoughts with worship. Right now, schedule five minutes on your calendar each day to praise God, and let it also help you develop a new sitting place to see from.
Job’s friends misunderstood the Ministry of Presence. Reach out to someone who has ministered to you just with their presence and support, and thank them — help them see how they’ve been a positive influence in your life.
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 that no matter what our situation is, we can always have perfect assurance in who You are. This week, help us to know You more. Give us a revelation of Your character and Your closeness, and show us how to pursue a relationship with You above everything else. In Jesus’ name, amen.