Surrendering Our Expectations | Expecting God | Week 2

Unmet expectations can potentially dull our faith. But even in our disbelief, God remains faithful! Zechariah and Elizabeth, a righteous couple who served God their entire lives, longed for a child, but years of disappointment dulled their hope. Nevertheless, God heard their prayers. When God sent word of an imminent miracle, Zechariah couldn't believe it --- and his silence became a space for renewal. Just like Zechariah, our long times of waiting and disappointment can hinder our faith, but God remains faithful to us as well. And God gently restores our expectancy, even in our unbelief.

Discussion Questions:
1. Can you think of a time when you waited a long time for something to happen, and then it happened? What was that waiting experience like?
2. Can you think of a time when you waited a long time for something to happen, and it never happened? Maybe you might be in the midst of this waiting now. What was that experience like? Did you naturally move on? What prompted you to move on?
3. Read Mark 14:32-36 and Luke 22:39-44. Even Jesus experienced silence and unanswered prayer at the most difficult point of his life. What do you notice about the way Jesus prayed?
4. Have you felt disappointed or let down by God when something you had hoped or prayed for didn't happen? How has that impacted your relationship with God?
5. Pause and pray honestly and earnestly to God. Tell him where you have felt frustration or disappointment while waiting. Ask Him to show you where He has been in the midst of your waiting. And close by praying Jesus' prayer in Mark 14:36 (substitute "Take this cup from me" with your own prayer request).