Table Talk | June 27 & 28

Published June 21, 2026
Table Talk | June 27 & 28

Growth Group Guide: Waiting Well - Abram and Sarai's Story

Opening Prayer & Introduction 

Begin by thanking God for His faithfulness and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and help you apply His Word to your lives.

Ice Breaker 

Share about a time when you tried to "help" something work better, only to discover you were actually making it worse (like brushing with an electric toothbrush the wrong way!).

Key Takeaways

1. RATHER THAN WAITING ON GOD, WE GET IMPATIENT AND TRY TO HELP HIM

Abram and Sarai waited 10 years before trying to "help" God fulfill His promise
  • Their solution (Hagar and Ishmael) created generational conflict that continues today
  • God's promise was specific: not just any heir, but the child of promise through whom Christ would come

2. There's still an opportunity to wait on God, even if you've jumped ahead

  • Scripture remembers Abram and Sarai as faithful (Romans 4, Hebrews 11)
  • Their impatience isn't highlighted in the New Testament accounts
  • Today is a new day to begin trusting God again

3. Learning to wait includes constraint

  • Sometimes the right step is no step
  • Restraint means believing what you know to be true about God when you don't know what's true about your life
  • "Waiting with restrained action often when no alternative movement is possible without forfeiting obedience"

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Story

  1. What stands out to you most about Abram and Sarai's 25-year wait for Isaac? What would have been most difficult for you in their situation?
  2. How does knowing that this promise was ultimately about Jesus (Galatians 3:16) change your perspective on why God's specific plan mattered so much?
  3. Pastor Todd mentioned that Sarai's laughter showed she had moved from impatience to disbelief. What's the difference between these two, and why does it matter?

Personal Reflection

  1. Critical Question: "Do I have clarity from God for the things I'm waiting for?"
    • Are you waiting on something God has clearly promised, or something you deeply want but He hasn't promised?
    • How can you tell the difference?
  2. Share about a time when you tried to "help God out" instead of waiting. What were the consequences? What did you learn?
  3. Pastor Todd defined a leading thought about God as "what you know to be true about God when you don't know what's true about your life." What is your leading thought about God right now? Is He faithful? Distant? Silent? Trustworthy?

Going Deeper

  1. Romans 4 and Hebrews 11 remember Abram and Sarai as faithful despite their impatience with Hagar. How does this give you hope in areas where you've already "jumped ahead" of God?
  2. Read Hebrews 6:15 - "So after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised." What does "waiting patiently" look like practically when you're in year 10, 15, or 20 of waiting?
  3. Pastor Todd said, "Sometimes the right step is no step." When is restraint the most difficult for you? What makes you want to take action rather than wait?

Practical Application

The Four-Step Evaluation Process
Before putting your hands into a situation you're waiting on, ask yourself:

  1. Does Scripture have anything specific or general to contribute?
    • What passage or principle might apply to your situation?
  2. Have you prayed and asked God for wisdom and discernment?
    • When was the last time you specifically asked God about this?
  3. Are you actively surrendering to the Spirit so you can stay in step with Him?
    • What does daily surrender look like for you this week?
  4. Are you seeking counsel from trusted people who will tell you the truth consistent with God's Word?
    • Who are these people in your life? Have you reached out to them?

This Week's Challenge

Choose ONE area where you're tempted to "help God out" and commit to:

  • Praying daily about it using the four questions above
  • Sharing it with at least one trusted person for accountability
  • Practicing restraint - taking no action this week without clear direction from God

Accountability Partner
Pair up with someone in the group to check in with during the week about your area of waiting.

Closing Reflection
Quote to Remember: "Waiting requires living by what I know to be true about God when I don't know what's true about my life." - Mark Vroegop

Key Scripture: "She considered him faithful who had made the promise." - Hebrews 11:11

Prayer Focus:

  • Confess areas where you've tried to help God instead of trusting Him
  • Ask for faith to believe God is faithful even when circumstances seem impossible
  • Pray for patience and restraint in your current seasons of waiting
  • Thank God that today is a new day to trust Him, regardless of past failures