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Clean Slate | I’ll Do It Myself Waiting on the LORD is one of the most difficult aspects of following Jesus. At times, it seems easier to go our own way and not wait upon the LORD. However, we must choose to trust that His ways and plans are far greater than our own ways and plans. Even in the times in which we have chosen to take matters into our own hands and not wait on the LORD, He still offers us a clean slate through forgiveness and restoration. GET THINGS STARTED What is one significant thing that you’ve had to wait for? Are you still waiting? What did the experience of waiting reveal about you personally, and what do you think you learned from the experience? GO DEEPER 1.

According to Genesis 15:6, Abram believed the LORD for a son and heir, and it was credited to him as righteousness. But in Genesis 16:1-6 (10 years later), he and Sarai decide to take matters into their own hands. What happened in that place of waiting that led Abram and Sarai to develop their own plan and to ignore the voice of God and His promise? What was the outcome or consequence of their actions?

2.

The promise of Isaiah 40:31 is powerful, that those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, mount up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. What makes living this verse so challenging? What are we to do while we wait on Him that renews our strength?

3.

Hebrews 11:11-12 is a testimony of God’s forgiveness and restoration for Abraham and Sarah. The promise of a son and many descendants was fulfilled as these two repented and began again to wait on the LORD. Why is waiting on the LORD far better than taking matters into our hands? What makes waiting on Him worth it?

MAKE IT PERSONAL 1.

What are you waiting on the LORD for in this season, and are you growing weary of waiting? How have you possibly taken matters into your own hands? How are you creating Ishmael right now as you wait?

2.

Do you believe you can have a clean slate and begin again to wait on the LORD? What steps do you need to take to receive that clean slate from Him?

PRACTICE IT NOW As a group, purposefully pray that you will trust in the LORD and wait upon Him. If there is a certain situation where you feel weary of waiting, confess that to Him with honesty. If there has been a time where you have acted on your own, ask the LORD for forgiveness and restoration. Receive the grace that He offers so freely.

CONNECT WITH GOD’S PEOPLE. VISIT WWW.BELTWAY.ORG/GROUPS.