Cove Group Guide: “When God’s Delays Don’t Mean Denial: Finding Hope in the Waiting”

Based on John 11

Opening Prayer & Icebreaker (10 minutes)

Icebreaker Question: Share about a time when something didn’t go the way you expected—either humorously or seriously. How did you respond?

Key Scripture

• John 11:1-45 (Focus verses: 4, 25-26, 35)
• Main Points Summary
• The Glory of God Revealed – God’s delays have divine purposes
• The Invitation to Believe – Jesus calls us to personal faith
• The Empathy of Jesus – Jesus enters into our pain
• The Miracle’s Significance – Jesus has power over death
• The Revealing Responses – We must choose to believe or reject
• Discussion Questions
• Part 1: Understanding God’s Delays (20 minutes)

Read John 11:5-6. How does it strike you that Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, yet stayed two days longer when He heard Lazarus was ill? What does this teach us about the relationship between God’s love and our circumstances?

The sermon stated: “Don’t doubt God when He delays.” What area of your life are you currently waiting on God? How does this passage encourage or challenge you?

Personal Reflection: On a scale of 1-10, how easy is it for you to wait on God’s timing? What makes waiting difficult for you?

Part 2: The Question of Belief (15 minutes)

Read John 11:25-27. Jesus asked Martha, “Do you believe this?” How would you answer that question today? What does it mean practically to believe Jesus is “the resurrection and the life“?

The sermon mentioned that Martha and Mary both had relationships with Jesus where they could be “real and honest.” How authentic are you in your prayer life? What holds you back from being completely honest with God?

Pastor Jeremy shared that John’s Gospel keeps emphasizing “believe, believe, believe.” Why is belief so central to the Christian faith? How is belief different from intellectual agreement?

Part 3: Jesus’ Empathy (15 minutes)

Read John 11:33-35. What does it mean to you that “Jesus wept“? How does this shortest verse in the Bible impact your view of who Jesus is?

The sermon distinguished between sympathy (feeling sorry for someone) and empathy (entering into their pain). Share about a time when someone showed you true empathy. How did it affect you?

For the men/husbands in the group: The sermon encouraged husbands to “listen and cry” rather than always trying to fix problems. How does this challenge you? What makes this difficult?

Part 4: The Miracle and Our Response (15 minutes)

Read John 11:43-44. Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb and then told others to “unbind him and let him go.” How is this a picture of the Christian life and community? What “grave clothes” (old shame, habits, fear, bitterness, labels) might believers still be wearing that need to be removed?

The sermon stated: “It’s impossible to remain neutral towards Jesus Christ.” What are the different responses people had to Jesus’ miracle in verses 45-53? Why do some believe and others reject, even when seeing the same evidence?

Read John 11:40. Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” How have you seen God’s glory revealed through difficult circumstances in your life or someone else’s?

Key Takeaways

• God’s delays are not denials – He has purposes we may not see
• Jesus loved them and allowed pain – Both can be true simultaneously
• Followers of Jesus will suffer – But never outside His care and purpose
• Jesus enters our mess – He doesn’t stand away from our pain
• Community helps remove grave clothes – We need each other for freedom
• The central question: “Do you believe this?” – Faith in Jesus is personal
• Practical Applications
• This Week’s Challenge:
• Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:

Be Honest with God: Spend time in prayer being completely honest about where you’re struggling, doubting, or waiting. Don’t try to sound articulate—just be real.

Practice Empathy: If someone shares pain or difficulty with you, resist the urge to fix it or offer platitudes. Instead, simply say “I’m so sorry” and “I love you,” and be present with them.

Identify Grave Clothes: Ask God to show you what “grave clothes” you might still be wearing (old labels, shame, habits, fear). Share this with a trusted friend and ask them to help you “unbind” from these things.

Express Gratitude in Waiting: Like Jesus thanked the Father before the miracle, write down what you’re thankful for even in the midst of your current season of waiting.

Answer the Question: Journal your response to Jesus’ question: “I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?” Be specific about what you believe and where you struggle.

Prayer Time (10-15 minutes)

• Suggested Prayer Focus:
• Pray for those in the group who are in seasons of waiting or delay
• Ask God to increase faith and trust in His timing and purposes
• Pray for empathy and authenticity in relationships
• Ask God to reveal any “grave clothes” that need to be removed
• Thank God for His empathy and presence in our pain

Prayer Partners: Consider pairing up to pray specifically for each person’s current area of waiting or struggle.

For Next Week

• Read John 12:1-11 (the continuation of the story)
• Reflect on how you answered Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?”
• Notice opportunities to practice empathy with others
• Leader Notes
• Create a safe space for honest sharing about doubts and struggles
• Be prepared to share your own story of waiting on God
• Have tissues available—this topic may bring up emotional responses
• If someone shares about grief or loss, allow space for that without rushing
• Consider having information available about pastoral care or counseling resources
• Celebrate any decisions to follow Christ that may have been made during the service
• Closing Thought:
• “The doctor may have spoken, but Jesus has the last word.”