WHAT NOW? JUNE 7In times of trouble, we find ourselves asking, “What now?” We long for a way out, for hope. We look for leadership we can trust and a light at the end of the tunnel. But what greater light is there than Jesus? What can we learn from Him that will help us in our current reality? No matter what your experience has been over these last several weeks, Jesus has the answer.

Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.

1. Do you have a favorite song from the 1990s? Was it part of popular culture or was it counter-cultural? What drew you in about the song? What’s something in our current culture, like a song or a situation, that resonates with you?

2. What stood out to you from the message? What questions do you have? What got you excited, curious, or confused? What do you want to do as a result of what you heard?

3. Read Jeremiah 29:11. What is your first impression of that passage of Scripture? What is the word you see over and over? If you said “plans” you are correct! The verse is pointing us towards a glorious future, but one we may not see here on earth. How does that make you feel?

4. God’s view of time is not like ours. We see things as finite and so we rush to achieve what we believe is success. But why? Why is waiting on God so hard? What are you specifically waiting on God for right now?

5. Read Jeremiah 29:12-13. On a scale of 1—10 how would you rate your prayer life? What steps can you take to get that closer to a 10 where you are seeking God “with all your heart”?

6. We know life on earth is not all of what God intends for us, but in the here and now, how can we live our life to the fullest? How can we live “on earth as it is in heaven” in the midst of crisis and turmoil? Discuss.

7. My Next Step: Last week we asked how you felt God wanted you to grow in your relationship with Him. This week we encourage you to put together a plan and share that with a trusted friend for accountability.

D I S C U S S I O N Q U E S T I O N S

Jeremiah 29:10-14. “This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (NIV) 

As you dig deeper into this week’s message, check out the bonus resources below:

• A global pandemic. Injustice and racism. Isolation and economic ruin. How can we overcome the brewing fear and division facing us? Where do we turn in our present time? Is there hope of a brighter future? What should we be asking God? This Thursday at 7 p.m., let’s join together online as a church and explore this together by sharing communion and lifting our voices in worship. Visit gatewaychurch.com/worshipnight for more information.

• Make a mask. Make a difference. Gateway wants to distribute masks for volunteers that assist with refugee families or work at our Feed the Community food distribution. Extras will be donated to the Austin Disaster Relief Network to share with the community. Need help making a mask? We’ve got you covered. Find out more at gatewaychurch.com/givehelp

COVID-19 ResponseWe also know the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has created needs and hardships for many people, and Gateway wants to help. If you need prayer, please visit gatewaychurch.com/prayerAnd if you have other needs, please visit gatewaychurch.com/gethelpMoreover, if you’re looking for ways to help others in their time of need, please visit gatewaychurch.com/givehelp.

D I G G I N G D E E P E R

K E Y S C R I P T U R E

To dive deeper, share your thoughts, and hear from others, join a Community Group at gatewaychurch.com/groups