BOTTOM LINE: When I really know the Father, I trust what I can't see.

1. My natural desire is to see it before I believe it.

2. The Kingdom will challenge my natural desire.

3. Wishing and hoping is knowledge based. Faith and trust is action based.

4. My Father is working even when I can't see the results yet.

START TALKING

What did you know about your dad would always be true about where he was or what he was doing without even having to ask? How did you know that would always be true about him?

What do people who know you know about you in terms of what you will always think, or be, or do simply because that is who you are and there is no doubt about it?

START THINKING

Read John 4:46-47. Why do you think this man came to Jesus, who is still relatively unknown? What do you think is implied about what he may have heard about Jesus since he came so far to ask Jesus for help?

What do you think this Father is feeling and experiencing in this moment? Imagine traveling for more than a day while your child is dying, not knowing if he will still be alive when you get back home. What would you be thinking and feeling if it was you?

Read John 4:48. Why do you think Jesus says this? What is he setting up in this story to give us a sign about how life in the Kingdom works versus how life in the natural world works?

START SHARING

Read John 4:49-50. The man essentially prays again, repeating his prayer from earlier. But is prayer is only half answered, and yet he still acts on it because he has not other choice. When have you felt like this? When have you prayed the same prayer over and over, but felt like you didn't have it answered or it was only partially answered? Did you act on it or did you keep waiting for the answer you wanted?

In verse 50, there is a powerful phrase: "The man took Jesus at his word." Why was this such a big risk for this man? Why did it require true faith and trust, rather than just hoping and wishing?

When have you had to "take Jesus at his word" even though it seemed illogical or you didn't have all of the answers you wanted yet?

Read John 4:51-54. It was at least 24 hours later that this man had to wait to find out that his prayer was being answered even when he couldn't see it happening. When have you experienced this? Maybe it was a day later or much later, but when have you seen that your Father was working in the unseen Kingdom for your benefit even when you didn't know it? How did this grow your faith, and how does it impact you now when you are praying - or even begging - for God to do something in your life?

START DOING

Read Hebrews 11:1. What can you do this week to take action on the "things unseen"? What is the prayer you are praying that you need to trust your Father to be who He always is and do what He always does?

What is one story of your heavenly Father working even when you couldn't see it that you can be ready to share with someone who is unsure about their own faith?

What is one thing you are waiting on God for that you need to trust Him to work in the unseen Kingdom, even if you can't see the results yet? What are you going to do to trust Him and act on what He tells you to do?

START PRAYING

Pray for each other in the micro church to trust the Father to do what He does and be who He is, even when you can't see Him at work.