Discussion Guide
This week we're kicking off a new series called Eden to Eternity. Sometimes we treat the Old and New Testaments like two completely separate stories, but when we step back, we see one seamless, redemptive narrative. God’s Words flow together—cover to cover—revealing His unfailing love for a broken world. Over the coming weeks, we’ll dig into foundational truths in Scripture that help us build a solid spiritual foundation—and maybe even bring some clarity to areas we’ve been struggling in.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Would you rather wait in a long DMV line or be stuck on hold with elevator music for over an hour? Now shifting gears—what's one area in your life where waiting on God has been difficult?
2. Read Genesis 16:1-2. What do you notice about Sarai’s response to God’s delayed promise? How did she begin to question God? What subtle ways do we sometimes blame God when we don’t understand His timing?
3. Read Genesis 16:2-4. Why do you think Sarai decided to come up with her own plan instead of waiting? Can you share a time you took matters into your own hands instead of trusting God? Why is it dangerous to listen to human advice over God’s voice?
4. Read Genesis 16:5-6. What were some of the consequences of Sarai’s decision? How did her actions lead to blame, conflict, and pain? What should this teach us about human “solutions” to spiritual problems?
5. Read Genesis 17:1, 7, 8, 15-19. God’s timing here feels...wild. Why do you think it was hard for Abraham to believe God’s promise? How do fear and doubt often mix with faith when we’re asked to wait?
6. Action Steps: Take time this week to ask God:
*Are there areas in my life where I’m trying to run ahead of You?
*Am I setting aside the fruits of the Spirit—especially patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control—because waiting feels hard?
*Spend time praying over that and maybe talking about it with someone you trust.
Deeper Dive (Optional): Daniel 10:1-14. Contrast this with Daniel 10:1-14. What do we learn about waiting well from Daniel? How does His example show the power of faithful persistence even when answers are delayed? See how God is always at work behind the scenes—even when we can’t see it yet.