MAIN POINT:

God sets a dream in your heart. The process of achieving the dream includes delays; however, God’s timing is always perfect.

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ICEBREAKER:

Tell about a time when you had to wait for something you wanted badly, but you couldn’t make it happen on your own.

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INTRODUCTION:

Most things in life aren’t instant, no matter what television, instant pudding, or snap-chat may say. Most things take time because they occur as a process, step-by-step. Sometimes you seem to be making no progress at all; there are delays. God uses these delays, which can sometimes be years, to grow your character. He is developing you into the person you need to be in order for the dream to be fulfilled. Eventually you understand that your dream cannot be realized without God. Then, as you live your dream, you know that God’s timing is perfect. As guest Pastor Steve Robinson shared, “A God dream pushes you to dependence on Him, so you can accomplish the dream only with His help.”

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ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

Read Luke 2:52.

1. When He was a child, did Jesus appear to know everything? What key words tell you the answer? How have you increased in wisdom and stature since you began your journey with Christ?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.

2. When does your God-given dream begin? What dream has God given you?

Read Genesis 12:1-3.

3. Abram was 75 and Sarai 65 when God gave Abram the dream. What was the dream? In order for that dream to be realized, what would be the first step? Has God given you a dream that seems impossible?

Read Genesis 16:1-4.

4. When Abram was 85 (ten years later), what did Sarai decide to do? When Hagar became pregnant, what problems ensued? When have you taken action rather than waiting on God’s timing in a situation? What was the result?

Read Hebrews 6:11-12.

5. While you wait to see your dream, what 2 characteristics do you need?

6. Pastor Robinson shared that during a “delay phase,” while we are waiting for our dream to be achieved, the enemy is right there waiting to discourage us. How have you experienced this? What lies are you tempted to believe when things do not happen in your preferred time frame? How can you replace those lies with the truth of God’s Word?

7. How have you seen God grow your faith and patience?

Read Genesis 21:1-7.

8. How old was Abraham when Isaac was born? How many years had Abraham and Sarah waited? Have you ever waited this long for something?

9. What should you do while you wait for the dream?

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LEADER NOTES:

1. Luke 2:52 No. key: “…increased in wisdom…”
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 When a person accepts Jesus, he is a new creation.
3. Genesis 12:1-3 Abram was to become a great nation, to be a blessing, to make all families blessed. In order to be a great nation, Abram needed a son.
4. Genesis 16:1-4 Sarai decided to give her maid Hagar to Abram. Hagar despised Sarai.
5. Hebrews 6:12 We need faith and patience. Note that these characteristics take time to develop.
6. Group members may want to share verses they have memorized that have helped them. You might choose to memorize Hebrews 6:11-12 as a group.
7. Encourage group members to share stories of God’s faithfulness in the past. Looking back and seeing what God has done can encourage us to face the future knowing that God will come through again.
8. Genesis 21:1-7 Isaac was born “at the set time.” Abraham was 100. They waited 25 years. Discuss how God’s timing is different than our timing.
9. While you wait: Be faithful where you are. Serve. Give. Help. Share. Position yourself for the dream to come. Pastor Robinson said, “Serve somebody else’s dream until your dream comes to pass.” Remember, God’s timing is always perfect.