Cypress Groups

Resurrecting Hope

More To Your Story - Sunday, June 8

Announcements:

• This Sunday we’re wrapping up the Resurrecting Hope series. There will be no questions for our Summer Sessions series.

• Movie night, pot luck dinner, ice cream social, game night, Sunday brunch - We hope that, even if your group won’t be meeting regularly over the summer, you will find ways to stay connected this summer - and we’d love to see (and share) photos of your get togethers!

Teaching Summary:

In this message, More to Your Story, we explore the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, where a spiritual giant finds himself drained, dejected, and depressed—proof that no one is immune to emotional and mental exhaustion. We see how his journey through escape, isolation, despair, and self-condemnation mirrors our own at times. But God meets Elijah right there—with rest, care, a renewed purpose, and a quiet whisper of hope. The message reminds us that even when life feels dark or pointless, God is still the Author, and He’s not finished. Depression is a chapter, not the whole story—and Jesus invites us to let Him write the next one.

Icebreaker:

What’s your go-to “escape” after a long or difficult day?

Discussion:

1. Why do you think we’re so quick to give up on things when they start to feel pointless or exhausting?

2. Read 1 Kings 19:3-18. Looking at Elijah’s story, which part of his downward spiral (escape, isolation, despair, self-condemnation) resonates most with you — either from personal experience or from walking with someone else?

3. When have you seen God speak to you more through a “gentle whisper” than a dramatic sign?

4. What might it look like for you to let Jesus “write your story” in this season — especially if you feel stuck, exhausted, or unsure of what comes next?

Prayer:

Invite someone to close the group by praying that each person would experience the gentle and healing presence of Jesus in their own story. Ask for renewed hope, restored purpose, and the courage to trust that God is still writing something beautiful—even in the darkest chapters.