Winded
Pastor Steven Furtick
Conversation Starters
Looking for a way to get the group talking? Try one of these conversation starters.
This weekend Pastor Steven mentioned that, while he enjoys lifting weights, he isn’t a fan of cardio. What’s your favorite form of exercise and why? What’s your least favorite?
In this week’s sermon, we studied a story about the disciples taking a boat ride. If you could go on a free cruise to any destination in the world, where would you go? Why did you choose that destination?
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 part of the message encouraged you/challenged you the most?
Sermon Discussion
Select 1-2 themes from the sermon to discuss with your eGroup.
This week we talked about being winded, or as Pastor Steven called it, “Excite-austed.” It’s the feeling of being both excited and exhausted.
Share about a time when you’ve been “winded.”
What are some things you did that helped you through the moments where you felt winded?
Share an area of your life where you’re winded right now and how we can pray for you in that area this week.
Read Matthew 14:30-31. Peter started walking towards Jesus on the water until he saw the wind. After Jesus caught him, He asked why Peter doubted. The storm was the same, but Peter’s doubt came when his focus shifted.
Name some distractions that can shift our focus away from God.
Share a way you’ve found your focus shifting from what’s really important.
What’s a step you can take to keep your focus on God when you’re faced with distractions this week?
When you’re winded, it won’t always make sense until you get to the other side. Read Matthew 14:34-36. It wasn’t until they landed and saw Jesus healing the sick that they understood why they had to push through the storm.
Describe how you naturally respond when faced with challenging times.
Share about a challenging time in your life you feel proud to have overcome.
What is a lesson you learned after making it through that situation?
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.Read Matthew 14:33. This weekend, Pastor Steven reminded us that we don’t have to wait until the wind dies down to worship. Take a moment to worship God today, whatever the circumstance you may find yourself in.
Start with reflecting on some of your favorite ways to worship God.
Select one or two of these ways to worship and begin to exercise them right now.
How can you incorporate ways to worship God into your day to day life more?
Prayer
Close out your group with prayer using one of these options
Guided Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for being with me through every challenge in life. Help me focus on your plans for me in times when I feel winded. Increase my faith when I start doubting that you’re in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Interactive Prayer:
Split your group into smaller groups of two or three. Ask the people in each group to share one “praise report” from the week and one prayer request, so they can pray for each other throughout the week.
Additional Resources
Want to help your group go deeper after you meet? Send them one of these resources that relate to the sermon topic. Listen to “Faithful” for a reminder that God is with you in the wind.Watch the sermon “Wind vs. Word” to keep your focus on God instead of the wind this week.