Sunday, December 15, 2024

Have you ever done the opposite of what you were told to do because, at some level, you thought you knew better?

We often don’t follow directions because we don’t trust the advice we are being given … and sometimes that may be warranted. But when it comes to listening to God, we are also prone to striking out on our own rather than listening to the Holy Spirit. Our pride often gets in the way.

When we trust God, we focus on him as our provider, not the problem at hand.

We see Mary do this beautifully when she hears the news from the angel that she will become pregnant.

Luke 1:34
Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

Rather than counting herself out, thinking she wasn’t worthy, or trying to do things her own way, she gets curious and focuses on God.

Today, set aside time to connect with the Holy Spirit. Pray, and pay attention to what he has to say and what action you need to take. Then respond to the following questions and reflect on how you can take a step or two forward to deepen your connection with him.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit. I know I don’t always listen and respond as I should. My pride often gets in the way. Help me trust in you and focus on you rather than pushing my own agenda. Give me a soft heart that yields to you so that I may reply as Mary did—“I am the Lord’s servant”—when you ask me to take action (Luke 1:38). In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Discussion Questions:

• Ice breaker: What is one thing you are good at and one thing you aren’t?
• Why do people often count themselves out and think they can't be used by God?
• Read the stories of Zachariah and Mary (Luke 1:5-38). What do you learn about God from these verses? Would you respond more like Zachariah or Mary? Why?
• How can you be curious about what the Holy Spirit wants to do with you?
• What is one thing you can do to focus on the provider (God) not the problem?

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 15:19
They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit. In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.