Sunday, February 2, 2025

Think of a time when you made plans for something to happen, but when it was time to act, you did something completely different. Maybe you were planning to start eating healthy lunches, but each day, you found yourself getting takeout, saying you would start tomorrow.

We often have the best of intentions, but unless we pre-decide to act, we are prone to follow our whims and end up off course.

Joshua, however, after hearing God’s promise, made a decision to follow him even when it sounded crazy. Joshua trusted God and followed his command, confident that God would be with him wherever he went.

Joshua 1:7
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.”

We have the opportunity to do the same. We can make a choice to pre-decide to follow God, and then let that guide our actions.

Today, set aside time to seek God and be in his presence. Listen to what God is saying to you and where he wants you to step out in trust. Then respond to the following questions and reflect on how you can take a step or two forward to deepen your connection with him.

Discussion Questions:

Ice breaker: What does your preferred future look like?

Why do people have great intentions but then get sidetracked from their goals?

Read Joshua 23:1-4 and 24:14-15. What do you learn about God in these verses? How are you encouraged? How are you challenged?

What or who do you tend to follow?

What will you pre-decide to do today? When__________, I will __________.

Prayer:
Father, I confess, I often have excellent intentions but easily get sidetracked. Help me to be more like Joshua—to trust in you, confident that you will be with me wherever I go. Even when the plans seem crazy, help me to listen and obey. Today, let me serve you, Lord, and glorify your holy name. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

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