The 911 Handbook Study Guide Questions

Lesson 12 / Chapter 12

When You Are Tired of Waiting: Giving Birth to Ishmael 

Symptom #1: Trying to help God

After waiting ten years to have a child, why did Sarai tell Abram to have a child through Hagar? (Gen. 16:1-3)

Read Genesis 17:18-19. What does this reveal about Abram's and Sarai's decision to use Hagar?

Discuss the story about Henry and Mr. Smith. What are some things we can learn from this concerning trying to help God?

Symptom #2: Overstepping the boundaries

What was Saul's excuse for not waiting for Samuel to offer the burnt offering? (1 Sam. 10:8, 13:8-12)

In what ways do we overstep our boundaries and do what is forbidden?

Because Saul overstepped his boundaries, what was his penalty? (1 Sam. 13:13-14)

What does this teach us about the consequences of not waiting for God's timing?

Symptom #3: Becoming restless and irritable

What does restlessness and irritability reveal about our spiritual condition?

Reason #1: We may not be ready for what God has for us.

What would have been the consequences if Hannah started driving when she wanted?

What should a single person do while he or she is waiting to get married?

Reason #2: What God has planned for us may not be ready.

What does it mean, "There is an appointed time for everything?" (Eccles. 3:1)

To find God's timing, why must we "watch the conductor" instead of the other musicians?

Reason #3: God is using the waiting period to develop patience within us.

Using the illustration of lifting weights, explain how the quality of patience can make life easier for us.

Reason #4: God wants to do a greater miracle for us.

What did Jesus do when he heard that Lazarus was sick? (John 11:6)

When Jesus arrived in Bethany, why was Martha upset at Jesus? (John 11:21)

How do you normally react when God doesn't perform according to your schedule?

Although Mary and Martha were not aware of the reason, why did Jesus delay his coming to Bethany? (John 11:4-6, 11-15)

Compare Martha and Mary's thoughts with Jesus' thoughts.

What can we learn from this?

How Do We Wait on the Lord?

Using Psalm 37:3-7 as a prescription for waiting, write a brief description of the four things we must do while waiting.

• Trust in the Lord _____________________________________________________

• Delight yourself in the Lord ____________________________________________

• Commit your way to the Lord ___________________________________________

• Rest in the Lord ______________________________________________________