Revive My Heart Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon focuses on spiritual revival at the beginning of the year, using Jacob's story from Genesis 45:26-28 as the foundation. Pastor Katrina teaches that before we can step into God's promises, our spirit needs to be revived. The Hebrew word 'chaya' speaks of spiritual renewal where God restores life to what has grown weary or dormant in our souls. The message emphasizes three key steps for revival: forgetting past disappointments that have trained our hearts not to expect too much from God, seeing the future that God has prepared (represented by the carts Joseph sent), and taking action by moving forward in faith. The pastor uses personal illustrations including their adoption journey and house sale experience to demonstrate how disappointment can shape our expectations, but God wants to reignite fresh fire for the year ahead.
Intro Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, as we gather together in this small group, we ask that You would open our hearts to what You want to speak to us today. Help us to be receptive to Your Holy Spirit and ready to receive whatever You have for each of us. We don't want to leave the same way we came in, Lord. Revive our spirits and ignite something fresh within us. We pray that You would move in our hearts and lives as we discuss Your word together. In Jesus' mighty name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's the most interesting or unusual pair of shoes you own, and what's the story behind them?
Key Verses
Genesis 45:26-28
Hebrews 12:1
Proverbs 29:18
Questions
What past disappointments might you be carrying into this new year that are affecting your ability to expect good things from God?
How has disappointment in your life trained you to 'protect your heart' even when God might be doing something beautiful?
What does it look like practically to 'throw off everything that hinders' as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1?
Can you think of a time when God showed you a 'cart' - a sign or vision of your future? How did you respond?
What's the difference between living in 'survival mode' versus living with vision and purpose?
How do you distinguish between your own plans and God's plans for your life?
What 'next step' do you sense God is calling you to take, even if you don't have all the details?
How can we as a group encourage each other to move from disappointment to expectation in our relationship with God?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where past disappointment has caused you to lower your expectations of God. Choose to 'put on your shoes' and take one concrete step forward in faith, whether that's praying again for something you've given up on, re-engaging in an area you've pulled back from, or saying yes to something God has been stirring in your heart. Share this step with someone who can pray for and encourage you.
Key Takeaways
Revival begins when we stop letting yesterday's disappointments shape our future and start trusting God with what's ahead
God restores our ability to see the future He has prepared when our hearts are revived - He sends 'carts' as signs of His plans
Faith doesn't wait for certainty but responds to God's direction by taking the next step He shows us
When we respond to God's vision with action, He changes not just our circumstances but our identity
God's plans for us are greater than our own plans and require faith to see and courage to pursue
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to our hearts today about revival and moving forward in faith. We ask that You would help us release the disappointments of the past that have been weighing us down and limiting our expectations of You. Give us eyes to see the 'carts' You are sending - the signs of the future You have prepared for each of us. Grant us courage to take the next steps You are showing us, even when we don't have all the details. Revive our hearts, Lord, and help us to live as the new creations You have made us to be. We declare that our stories are not over and that You have good plans for our lives. In Jesus' powerful name we pray, Amen.