I Wasn’t Left, I Lingered

Conversation Starters

• Pastor Stephen Chandler joked that he’s lost car keys, his wallet, and his kids, but has never lost God the way Mary and Joseph did in Luke 2:44. What’s something you’ve lost or forgotten about?

• 2022 is the year of “purpose” for Pastor Stephen. Share a word or theme God has given you this year.

• Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem after His parents took Him to a Passover festival in Luke 2:43. Share an event you would leave your people for (e.g., a vacation, your favorite concert, Christmas in your hometown, etc).

Review

Ask eGroup members to share their favorite points from the message, what spoke to them, a phrase or moment they related to the most, or questions they have. If members have a hard time recalling the message, talk through your notes and share your favorite points.

Make It Personal

• Read Luke 2:41-50. Pastor Stephen shared three points about purpose:

1. 1. Purpose cannot be left behind.

   2. Purpose leads you to learn.

   3. Purpose doesn’t take things personally.

Which of these points challenges you the most and why?

• Purpose cannot be left behind. Identify a time when you experienced a delay that ended up serving more of a purpose in your life than you imagined in the moment? 

• Read Luke 2:46. Purpose leads you to learn. What are some practical things you can do to learn more about what God is trying to teach you in this season? 

• Purpose doesn’t take things personally. Share about a time when you’ve had to choose your purpose over people. How can you handle these awkward encounters in the future? 

• Pastor Stephen encouraged us to break free from the “prison of next” or the focus we place on our future instead of our now. How have you allowed walls of delay, denial, destruction, or discouragement to keep you from experiencing peace and joy in this season of your life? What are some practical ways you can focus more on your purpose than these challenging experiences?

• Read Ecclesiastes 3:1. If God hasn’t opened a door for you, it’s because there’s something He’s looking to do NOW. How does this truth encourage you? What can you do to take comfort in God’s divine timing this week?

Act On It

Let’s move in purpose this week! Find a scripture (or a Bible character) that helps you feel more confident about walking in your purpose. Reflect on it when you feel challenged this week. (Some recommended people to study are Joseph, Daniel, Joshua, Moses, Sampson, and Jesus.)

Prayer Requests And Prayer

Ask eGroup members to share any prayer requests they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for each other during the week. God, thank You for giving our lives purpose. When we don’t understand this season of our lives, we are so grateful we can come to You. Remind us of the good plans You have for us. Show us how we can grow to look more like the people You created us to be. Empower us in the “now,” and help us break free from the prison of our expectations for what’s next. We believe You are working miracles in and through our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.