Sunday, December 14, 2025

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.

Discussion Questions:

Ice Breaker: What's the best gift you've ever received, and what made it special?

Where have you recently seen someone choose people over things? How did it make a difference?

Read Acts 20:35: What makes giving—of time, encouragement, or resources—feel difficult sometimes, and how does this verse challenge that?

How can you begin shifting your focus from what you have to who God has placed in your life to love, serve, or encourage?

Reflect and Respond: How do you think your life grows richer when you choose to give rather than receive?

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.

Series Theme Verse:

Acts 20:35

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, curriculum coordinator at CedarCreek and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.