Sermon Outline:

Big Idea: In our afflictions, we must cast our cares on the Lord, for only He can truly take care of us.

1. Never forget: God is in control.
2. Never forget: Sin never leads to peace.
3. Never forget: God sees our afflictions.

Bible Fellowship Group Study Questions:

1. In the story, Sarai turns away from God because of cultural pressures. What pressures today make us want to follow the world instead of Jesus? 
2. How does Scripture teach us to better respond to the world’s pressures? How can we apply the Bible’s teachings?
3. People have always tried to solve problems by depending on themselves and their own power. But what do we miss out on when we ignore God's control over our lives and his promise to take care of us? How has God helped us in our own lives? Is he someone we can trust to always be there for us?
4. In Genesis 16, Abram didn’t show the strength and faith needed to truly comfort and provide for his household. How should Abram have responded to Sarai? How can God help us comfort others who are hurting?
5. In the sermon, Ethan mentioned that there were many cultural differences in Genesis 16 that make it hard to understand. How did the historical explanation help us better understand Genesis 16?
6. The name God gave to Hagar’s son, “Ishmael,” means “God will hear.” How do you feel about the message “God will hear”? Does it make you feel comforted? uneasy?