Here's the faith group lesson and personal reflection guide based on last Sunday's message, "Pursuing God Like Noah."

READ Genesis 8

This week, as I watched the wildfires devastate California, I couldn't help but feel deeply for those affected, especially with family and friends in the region. My prayers go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy. In times of catastrophe, like the recent fires, it’s natural to wonder what to do next. How do we move forward after such destruction? The story of Noah in the Old Testament offers a powerful example of how we can respond. After surviving the great flood, Noah resumed his pursuit of God, trusting in His plan for renewal and restoration. His example teaches us to wait, leave, release, and worship as we move forward in our pursuit of God this year.

Noah's journey begins with waiting. Noah and his family spent over a year in the ark, waiting for God's signal to step out. Waiting is often part of God’s plan for us—it’s not a passive act, but a time to trust in God’s timing and grow in patience. Just like Noah, we must learn the discipline of waiting, trusting that God will open the right doors at the right time. This season of waiting can teach us to listen to God and deepen our relationship with Him, as we slow down and make space to hear His voice. As a church, we believe in the power of solitude and prayer, encouraging everyone to take time to pause and connect with God. Faith Fellowship Aurora is also hosting a time of prayer and fasting from February 3rd to 7th. We’ll conclude this meaningful time with a church-wide celebration on Friday, February 7th, 7pm @thePlace. We invite you to join us for this special opportunity to pursue God together.

Once Noah received God’s command, he had to leave the safety of the ark. Leaving wasn’t easy—it meant stepping away from what was familiar and comfortable. Yet, Noah's obedience to leave the ark represents how we, too, may need to leave behind things that hold us back. Whether it’s our comforts, plans, or distractions, following God often requires sacrifice. Like Noah, we are called to step into the unknown, trusting that God has something greater for us. Sometimes, true devotion to God means giving up our ambitions or desires to fully pursue Him and His calling in our lives.

Next, Noah was instructed to release the animals and his family to fulfill God's original plan—to be fruitful and multiply across the earth. Releasing what we hold dear can be challenging, but it’s essential for growth. Just as Noah released the animals for God's purposes, we must be willing to let go of relationships, possessions, or responsibilities that may prevent ourselves and others from flourishing. Releasing allows others to step into their potential and fulfill God's plan for their lives.

Finally, Noah's story culminates in worship. After leaving the ark, Noah built an altar to the Lord and made offerings, a powerful act of gratitude and devotion. Worshiping God is the ultimate response to His faithfulness. Just as Noah built an altar, we are called to create spiritual altars in our lives, dedicating ourselves fully to God. Worship isn’t just about singing—it’s about consecrating ourselves and acknowledging that God alone is worthy of our devotion. By offering ourselves as living sacrifices, we proclaim our commitment to Him, just as Noah did after the flood. Through waiting, leaving, releasing, and worshiping, we pursue God and His plan for our lives.

Questions for personal reflection and discussion.

1. In what areas of your life is God calling you to wait? How can you embrace this waiting period with trust and patience, knowing that it’s part of His plan for you?

2. What comforts or familiar things might God be asking you to leave behind in order for you to keep pursuing God?

3. Are there relationships, responsibilities, possessions or ambitions you’re holding on to that God may be asking you to release in order for you and others to grow and fulfill their potential? In your faith group, prayerfully consider and discuss how you may release your fg members so that you may be fruitful and multiply this year!

4. How can you create a space for worship in your life, both through actions and attitude, to consecrate yourself fully to God, just like Noah built an altar?

5. How can you apply Noah’s example of waiting, leaving, releasing, and worshiping in your own spiritual journey, and how might it lead to personal growth and greater fruitfulness in your pursuit of God?