Discussion Guide

Ice Breaker

What's something you remember having to wait for as a child that felt

like it took forever? How did you pass the time while waiting?

Key Verses

·  Psalm 130:5-6

·  1 Peter 1:3

·  Romans 5:3-4

·  Titus 2:13

Questions

1. Ken mentioned that in Hebrew, the words for 'wait' and 'hope' are the same. How does this connection change your perspective on seasons of waiting?
2.   Looking at the biblical examples of waiting (Noah, Abraham, David, etc.), which one resonates most with your current situation and why?
3. The sermon suggests three practical ways to wait without losing hope: pray, trust God, and do what's in front of you. Which of these is most challenging for you personally?
4. How can taking matters into our own hands during waiting periods actually harm us? Can you think of a time when patience would have served you better?
5. Ken said 'you can trust God today because God was faithful yesterday.' What are some examples of God's faithfulness in your past that can encourage you in current waiting periods?
6. What does it mean practically to 'do the good that is in front of you' while you wait? How might this change your perspective on your current circumstances?
7. How does knowing that Jesus himself experienced waiting help you in your own seasons of waiting?
8. ·  The sermon describes hope as 'living hope' found in Jesus Christ. How is this different from worldly hope or wishful thinking?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area where you are currently waiting. Commit to applying all three principles from the sermon: spend time in prayer about this situation daily, choose to trust God's timing and plan, and look for one practical way you can serve or do good while you wait. Keep a simple journal of how this changes your perspective on your waiting period.

Key Takeaways

1. God's people throughout history have always been waiting people, and waiting and hoping go together
2. Three practical ways to wait without losing hope: pray, trust God, and do the good that's in front of you
3. We can trust God today because He has proven faithful yesterday - His track record gives us confidence
4. Taking matters into our own hands during waiting periods often leads to complications and consequences
5. Our hope is not just a concept but a living person - Jesus Christ - who rose from the grave and provides the ultimate foundation for hope

Ending Prayer