DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"The Story of Hagar"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. We’ll put an empty chair in our circle to remind us that God is right here with us, and let’s take a few deep breaths and open in prayer.
- Looking back, did anyone do any of the five daily practices from the last Group Guide? If so, is there a day that stood out to you?
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- For starters, when have you felt overlooked or unnoticed, and what did someone do that helped you feel truly seen?
- Have you ever gotten ahead of God and made a decision and later realized that you should have waited on God for the better solution?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read Genesis 16:4-15 and Genesis 21:15-20 (you can go around and take turns reading 2-3 verses each).
- What parts of Hagar's story do you find most relatable? Why?
- Hagar names God "El Roi," meaning "the God who sees." Ashlyn further shared, “To be seen is more than visibility; to be seen is to be given hope.” How is hope different from simply getting what we want?
- Hagar was given a difficult direction when God told her to return to bondage and captivity, but she also received God's promises. How can God's promises change the way we walk through difficult circumstances?
Go Deeper
- Read Psalm 34:18. What does this verse tell us about God's response to people who are hurting or brokenhearted? How is God near and how can we draw near to God in difficult circumstances?
- Think about a difficult situation in your life right now. Where have you come from, and where are you going? What would it look like to move forward rooted in God's promises?
- Who in your life might feel overlooked, unseen, or forgotten? How could you help them experience the hope of being seen and loved?
Wrap Up
- What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
- Take a few moments to share with the group (or name silently before God) an area where you feel unseen, overwhelmed, or discouraged. Then pray together: “God, I don't feel seen right now. I may not feel seen by the end of today. But you see me. Help that be enough today.”
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 — Remember: God Sees Me
Read Genesis 16:13.
Spend a few minutes thanking God that he sees and knows you completely. Ask him to help you believe this truth, especially in areas where you feel overlooked.
Day 2 — Name Your Wilderness
Read Genesis 16:7-9.
Identify one situation that currently feels difficult, lonely, or uncertain. Write down where you have come from and where you believe God is inviting you to go next.\
Day 3 — Hold Onto Hope
Read Psalm 34:18.
Write down one promise from Scripture that gives you hope when life is hard. Repeat it throughout the day whenever discouragement arises.
Day 4 — See Someone Else
Read Genesis 16:13.
Ask God to show you someone who may feel overlooked or forgotten. Intentionally encourage them, listen to them, thank them, or simply let them know that you see and appreciate them.
Day 5 — Trust That God Stays
Read Genesis 21:15-20.
Reflect on how God showed up for Hagar again in her second wilderness. Write down one way you have seen God remain with you through a difficult season, and share that story with someone else.