Small Group Study Guide

When God Says Wait

Darryl Harris
 WHEN GOD SAYS WAIT Study Guide... is
designed to be a one month journey with God
as you share with your group what He is doing
in your life and saying to you.

‣ Week One - Read Chapter One and Two in the

book at home and complete page 4-9 in the
study guide together.

‣ Week Two - Read Chapter Three and Four in

the book at home and complete page 9-14 in
the study guide together.
 WHEN GOD SAYS WAIT Study Guide... is
designed to be a one month journey with God
as you share with your group what He is doing
in your life and saying to you.

‣ Week Three - Read Chapter Five and Six in the

book at home and complete page 15-19 in the
study guide together.

‣ Week Four - Read Chapter Seven and Eight in

the book at home and complete page 20-24 in
the study guide together.
Chapter One - When God Says Wait
Pastor Darryl describes the beginning of a trial that turned out not
to be a destination, but a journey with Christ.
Read John 16:31-33.
‣ Describe the trial that has happened to you, whether
physically, financially, emotionally, or relationally, that let’s
you know that Jesus’ statement applies to you.
‣ What made you choose a person to discuss your troubling
situation, and what emotions did you experience as you
discussed it that person? What words of comfort,
discouragement, or direction did they offer at that moment in
your life?
‣ How does Jesus’ concluding statement in John 16:31 bring
hope, peace and encouragement in the midst of your troubling
trial?
Chapter One - When God Says Wait
Read Psalm 40:1-4.
‣ Why is waiting patiently for the Lord not an easy assignment
to carry out?
‣ What benefits (at least 4) did David receive from the Lord for
waiting patiently for him in verses 1-3?
‣ Read about David’s trial in Psalm 38. How would you face that
trial if you were David? What would you do and what steps
would you take to make it through? How would a relationship
with the Lord give you hope?
‣ Verse 4 (of Psalm 40) gives us a precious promise. How are
you trusting the Lord in your troubling trial and what
difference has it made?
Chapter Two - Waiting is a Process
Pastor Darryl reminds us that God is not on our timetable. When
God is silent answering your prayers, He may be quietly telling
you to wait?
‣ Read Psalm 27:7-14.
‣ What are you currently asking God to do in your life that you
think requires immediate attention? How has he answered
your prayer?
‣ Yes? (I will do that.) Go? (I want you to move forward now) Slow? (Be
cautious as you move forward) Yo? (Remember Me? You might want to ask me first)
No? ( The door is closed. That is definitely not my will)... or Wait? (I’ll let you
know...but I’ve got work to do with you now)
‣ Why is it so difficult for us to wait on God? Why was David
confident, and what 3 things did God tell Him to do? Have
you?
 Chapter Two - Waiting is a Process

‣ How does Jesus’ concluding statement bring hope, peace and

encouragement in the midst of your troubling trial?

‣ In Psalm 27:7, David cried out to the Lord for mercy and God
heard him. When have you cried out to the Lord, and how did
He answer you?
‣ What is the Lord teaching you so far in your time of waiting on
Him? Keep a journal of what he’s teaching you through His
Word, and as He whispers to your heart. You will appreciate it
as you go through your personal life journey with God.
“Truly my soul silently waits for God;
From Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be greatly moved.”
Psalm 62:1-2
 Some time in life you'll find out
You get in a hurry 1. “TIME OUT”
That when you have assurance
There is no need to worry Take time to listen as a group
You can wait, wait, wait on the lord and you'll see
He always keep his word. “Wait on the Lord”
But just trust in him
Don't be dismayed by Donnie McClurkin
Patience in time of trouble
Trust and believe him Album
And everything God promised
You will receive it “We Are All One”
If you wait, wait, wait, on the lord.
And you'll see and he'll
He'll always keep his word.
But you must just trust in him
Don't you be dismayed

Trust in the word of God

His word is true
When did he promises everything in your life
That he will not do

Trust and depend on him

He's always on time
Don't b discourage
If you just believe

If you wait wait wait on the lord

And you'll see
He will keep his word 2. “Take Home”
You must just trust
Don't be dismayed This week memorize one verse from pg. 85-89
Chapter Three - The Power of Three Simple Words
Pastor Darryl shares how three simple words can change
someone’s life, alter someone’s circumstances and redirect
someone’s focus in the direction of Jesus Christ.
Read I Corinthians 13:1-8.
‣ Why is love greater than all of the spiritual gifts and how does
practicing this type of love make us more like Jesus Christ?
‣ In verses 4-8 list and discuss the 15 positive attributes of love.
Discuss the ways you have succeeded and failed to incorporate
these attributes in your life, relationships and ministering to
others. Be honest!
‣ Who is God directing you to actively demonstrate this type of
love on in a relationship in your life? Pray about it and ask God
to empower you to begin today!
Chapter Three - The Power of Three Simple Words

‣ How have you demonstrated to the Lord that you truly love
Him?
‣ When was the last time you told the Lord you love Him? What
can you do to make sure this is a daily practice in your life?
‣ What person can you most encourage today by telling them
“you love them”? What do you think their reaction will be and
why? Will you have the courage to do it anyway, even if they
don’t respond at all?

“Love never fails....” I Corinthians 13:8

Chapter Four - The Blessing of a Touch
Pastor Darryl highlights the fact that when you experience the
touch of Jesus Christ, you will never be the same!
Read Matthew 7:24 - 8:1-3.
‣ As a Christian, upon what foundation are you building your
life according to Matthew 7:24-27. What are you doing to
ensure your foundation is solid before the strong winds blow
and the heavy rains fall in your life? What storms have you
withstood in your life already by taking heed to the words of
Jesus Christ?
‣ In Matthew 8:1-3, why do you think Jesus was “willing” to
touch the man with leprosy? Why did the man come to Jesus
in the first place? If you were in the crowd, what do you think
your reaction would have been at the sight of the leper
running towards Jesus?. Be honest!
Chapter Four - The Blessing of a Touch
‣ In what ways has a human touch brought comfort, and
compassion to you during a time of stress and trial?
‣ Describe when Jesus reached out and touched you to heal you
of the sin in your life? If you’ve been touched by Jesus, take
time as a group to thank him for His eternal life giving touch!
‣ Think of a person in your life who could use a reassuring
touch from you today? If it’s someone in your group, form a
circle and place your comforting hands on that person, and pray
that the Lord would bring him/her comfort and peace today!
‣ If you have never received a touch from Jesus to heal you from
the penalty of sin, which is eternal separation from Him in
hell and the Lake of Fire...ask Him to touch you and become
Lord of your life. Do it now! Tomorrow isn’t promised!
Romans 10:9-10
 I'm waiting 1. “TIME OUT”
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful Take time to listen as a group
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait “While I’m Waiting”
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience by John Waller
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting 2. “Take Home”
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting This week memorize one verse from pg. 85-89
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
Chapter Five - Time Alone with God
Pastor Darryl lets us know that Christianity is a relationship that
requires extended time alone with God. This is the only way to
develop deep intimacy with Jesus Christ.
Read James 1:1-8.
‣ In your busy schedule, what do you do to ensure that you
spend time alone with God? Where do you go?
‣ But this doesn’t make sense! When you are going through a
personal trial or test, how can you consider it pure joy as
stated in James 1:1.
‣ Of the eight things we are told to do (on page 44 and 45)
during trials, take time individually or as a group to discuss
how they apply to your life situation.
Chapter Five - Time Alone with God
Read Philippians 4:8-9. Now is the time to make your personal
lists that will help you adjust your thinking as you go through
your personal time of waiting.
‣ List the thing you know are true! (ie. God loves me. etc.)
‣ List things in your life that are noble!
‣ List things that at are right!

‣ List things that are pure!

‣ List things that are lovely!
‣ List things that are admirable!
‣ List things that are excellent or praiseworthy!
For the next week...THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS!
 Chapter Six - The Blessing of Letting Go
Pastor Darryl says the most difficult thing to do while waiting is
surrender! However, behind your closed door, may be your
biggest blessing.
Read Isaiah 40:21-31.
‣ Describe the one thing in your life that is the most difficult for
you to surrender to Jesus Christ. Why is it so difficult to let go?
‣ What makes God so unique as describes by Isaiah in Isaiah
40:21-26. Make a group list of His unique attributes. (sidebar:
Question...If Christopher Columbus had read this passage in Isaiah, would he have
thought the world was flat? Why?
‣ Discuss and list the incredible things that God does for those
who may be weary, but choose to wait (hope) in Him during
this time of their life.
 Chapter Six - The Blessing of Letting Go

‣ What person has God used to help you through your most
difficult circumstance? What did they do for you? Were you
expecting their help in your time of need? Have you taken the
time to thank God for providing for you in such a way?
‣ Have you ever been tempted to give up during a time of testing?
Discuss as a group what God promises those who do not give
up, but wait (hope) on Him. How much effort does an eagle
exert when flying? Think about it!
‣ End your group session with a time of “prayers of surrender”,
as you “let go and let God” take control of your circumstance!
“Do you not know?” ... Isaiah 40:21
 1. “TIME OUT”
Take time to listen as a group

“Above All...Lord I Lift

Your Name..High”

by Stephen Hurd

Album
Times of Refreshing

2. “Take Home”
This week memorize one verse from pg. 85-89
Chapter Seven - Wisdom While You Wait
Pastor Darryl emphasizes that waiting on God, requires wisdom
from God!
Read James 1:5-8.
‣ Why is wisdom from God so important when you face
financial, relational, emotional and physical issues in your
life? If it’s so important, why is His Word, many times the last
place we turn when the heat is on in our lives?
‣ What makes doubting God, such an impairment to gaining
spiritual wisdom from God? Be honest...who do you normally
turn to first when trials come into your life?
‣ Of the four things mentioned to do in times of adversity on
pages 58-60, which one is the hardest for you to do and why?
 Chapter Seven - Wisdom While You Wait

‣ Prepare your group to take the “WISDOM CHALLENGE”! For

the next month, grow in wisdom by reading one chapter a day
from the “Book of Wisdom”... Proverbs!
‣ Begin the challenge by spending the rest of your session
reading and discussing Proverbs 1. Be sure to review God’s
challenge and promise in verses 32-33
For further study on the Book of Proverbs
Life Application Bible Studies
 Chapter Eight - Joy in the Journey
Pastor Darryl reflects on the fact that happiness is dependent on
circumstances, joy comes from trusting the Lord despite your
circumstances!
Read Psalm 34.
‣ In the midst of your personal circumstance, how are you
rejoicing in the Lord? Why is it so important to praise Him at
ALL TIMES, not just in GOOD TIMES?
‣ Discuss the seven things you should do as you go through your
life’s trials and journey. Which one has encouraged you the
most in your difficult times? Explain to the group why? and
how?
‣ How can you be an encouragement to others who are going
through troubling life situations? In what ways can you be a
blessing to them in their time of need?
Chapter Eight - Joy in the Journey
‣ In what way can your group work together to help someone
experience the joy of the Lord despite their troubling
circumstance?
‣ Why is it so difficult to trust God in troubling times? Read
Hebrews 11:6 together. How will you apply God’s prescription
for pleasing Him, to your personal difficult situation!
‣ The choice is now yours. In the midst of your personal
situation, if you choose to look within....you will get discouraged! If
you choose to look without...you will get frustrated! But if you choose to look
up...you will be encouraged! What choice will you choose to
make on your personal journey? Tell Somebody...now! Take
time and tell God...on your knees!
Close your time by reflecting on Psalm 40:1-5.
 1. “TIME OUT”
Take time to listen as a group
Speak to my heart Holy Spirit,
Give me the words that will bring new life “Speak to my heart”
Words on the wings of the morning the dark nights will fade away,
If you speak to my heart by Donnie McClurkin
Speak to my heart Holy Spirit, message of love to encourage me
Lifting my heart from despair, How you love me and care for me Album
Lord just speak to my heart (repeat)
2x time Speak to my heart, speak to my heart, Speak to my heart, Donnie McClurkin
speak to my heart

Speak to my heart Lord, give me your holy word, If I can hear from
you, then I'll know what to do
I won't go alone, I'll never go on my own, Just let your Spirit guide,
and let you word abide

Speak to my heart, speak to my heart, speak to my heart,

Speak to my heart, speak to my heart, speak to my heart,
Speak to my heart, speak to my heart, speak to my heart

2. “Take Home”
This week memorize one verse from pg. 85-89