Small Group Discussion

Key Takeaways: 3 Things to Remember if You’re Disappointed

• Don’t Get Delusional: Disappointment occurs when there is distance between our dreams and reality, between expectations and actual outcomes. God never forgets a prayer, even when years pass without visible answers.
• Don’t Die Here: The tongue has the power of life and death; we must speak God’s truth over our circumstances rather than our feelings.
• Don’t Do “Disappointment” Declarations: God is not a microwave God but a cook who prepares things in perfect timing with the right ingredients. God doesn’t answer prayers because we’re good; He answers because He is good and faithful.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it look like practically to grieve disappointment without giving up, especially when you feel like you’re in a hallway God never intended to be your permanent home?
2. We shared that sometimes God disappoints us in a moment because what we’re asking for pales in comparison to what He wants to do. What might God be protecting you from or preparing you for in your current season of waiting?
3. How does Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story challenge our understanding of what it means to remain faithful to God even when our deepest prayers seem unanswered for decades?
4. In what areas of your life have you started believing lies about God’s character because of prolonged disappointment, and how can you begin to combat those false beliefs?