Message Series Group Discussion

INFO

Series
Where's God Now?

Sermon
Abraham: Unfulfilled Desires; January 23rd, 2023

Main Idea/Summary
God meets us in the tension between Here and There.

Scripture
Genesis 11:29-30; 12:2-3; 15:2-6, 16:1-2; 18:10-14; 21:1-5 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Hebrews 11:13-16

QUESTIONS

About God
Has God ever shown up and given you or someone you know a problem by giving them a different picture of what is possible? What glimpses of God’s character did you see when this happened?

About Me
We make different choices in the tension between here and there. Choices like denial, resignation, bitterness, anger, blame, depression, anxiety, making pain our identity, or making things happen. Which is your go-to choice, and why?

Community
How might recognizing the choices people make in the tension between here and there help you be more compassionate with others?

Mission
Who needs you to simply sit beside them in their tension this week?

Action
This week, as you notice yourself gravitating toward coping mechanisms in the tension, speak this prayer each time: “God, I want my life to be different. But right now, I’m offering my pain to you and asking you to sit with me.” How might things be better for you if you do this regularly?

Father God, we praise you for sitting beside us in our unfulfilled desires. We admit that we often make poor choices that lead us away from you when we face the tension between where we are and where we are going. Thank you that we do not have to endure the tension between here and there alone, because you are always with us. May we learn to offer our pain to you and trust in the grace you provide to carry us through our trials. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.