Small Group Discussion Guide

"Godly Vision" — Pastor Willie Russell

1. SERMON RECAP

Pastor Willie Russell taught from Habakkuk 2:1–3, challenging the congregation to understand that God-given vision is already planted on the inside of every believer. He identified three key obstacles that hinder people from walking in their God-given destiny: present circumstances, present resources, and present self. He called the group to write the vision down, settle into the right place, and trust that God's provision always follows God's vision.

2. KEY SCRIPTURE

Habakkuk 2:2–3

"The Lord answered me: Write down the vision; clearly inscribe it on tablets so one may easily read it and run with it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not be late."

3. ICE BREAKER

What is one dream or goal you had as a child that you have not thought about in a long time?

4. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Point 1 — Your Present Circumstance

Pastor Willie warned that too many believers allow their current circumstances to dictate their reality rather than holding onto what God has said. He reminded the group that present circumstances are temporary, but a God-given vision has eternal implications.

• In what ways can a difficult or discouraging season make a person feel as though God's vision for their life is no longer relevant or possible? How have you seen someone — or perhaps yourself — push through that temptation?

Point 2 — Your Present Resources

Pastor Willie taught that a lack of resources is one of the most common reasons people put their vision on hold, yet he emphasized that God is "pro-vision" — meaning His provision is specifically designed to bring His vision to pass.

• Pastor Willie said, "Vision attracts resources." What does it look like practically to move forward on a God-given vision when the finances, connections, or tools needed are not yet visible? Where does trust come in?

Point 3 — Your Present Self

Pastor Willie challenged the group by saying that sometimes the greatest obstacle to fulfilling a God-given vision is the person themselves — their doubt, their sense of unworthiness, or their tendency to talk themselves out of what God has called them to do.

• He pointed to Abram becoming Abraham and Jacob becoming Israel as examples of people whose identity changed as they walked through the process of vision. What beliefs or internal narratives most commonly prevent people from seeing themselves the way God sees them, and what does it take to begin shifting those beliefs?

5. APPLICATION CHALLENGE

Before the group meets again, each person should set aside thirty minutes this week to write down a personal or family vision statement — even if it is only two or three sentences. The statement should answer three questions: What do I sense God calling me toward? What does it look like when it is fulfilled? And why does it matter beyond just my own benefit? Bring it to the next meeting to share with the group.

6. PRAYER POINTS

• Pray that each group member would have the courage to write down what God has placed on their heart, even if it feels too big or too unclear right now.
• Pray for patience and trust in God's timing, especially for anyone in the group who is in a difficult season and struggling to hold onto hope for the future God has promised.
• Pray that the group as a whole would grow in the conviction that God's provision faithfully follows God's vision, and that no person in the room would settle for less than God's best for their life.

7. MEMORY VERSE

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."