This Time Around…
Pastor Steven Furtick
Sermon Summary
What do you do when you keep showing up, but nothing seems to be changing? In Joshua 6, the Israelites had to keep marching before the walls ever fell, reminding us that progress doesn’t always look or feel like we think it will. If you’re frustrated with where you are or focused on where you thought you’d be by now, discover how God can give you the strength to keep going, make adjustments, and trust Him with your next step.
Sermon Highlights
Just because you're not in it yet doesn't mean God hasn't given it.
God has a strategy for every situation and a strength for every season.
Moses made mistakes, but Joshua made adjustments.
I can do it different.
All progress doesn't feel like a straight line with God.
You're always going to be circling something. You're either going to be circling the wilderness or the walls. A wilderness cannot move, but walls can fall.
There is no version of your future that is frustration-free. But there can be a stronger you that steps into it.
Stop while you're circling and praise the Lord for where you are right now.
The miracle is less about the shout when the walls fall, and it's more about showing up when they don't.
You don't need God to be more specific. You need to take the next step.
You may be walking around it, but you are not alone in it.
Stop waiting to get to the good part. Get to the God part.
I'm not blowing my trumpet because of a wall. I'm blowing it because of a Word.
Scriptures
Read this week’s Scriptures. Ask your group what stands out to them.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Choose the one that works best for your group!
Pastor Steven joked about Graham trying to skip family Christmas photos. What’s one family tradition your family would never skip?
Pastor Steven told a story about a friend in his early thirties who couldn’t wait to reach his forties.
What age did you think would be the “perfect age” when you were younger?
What’s something you thought you’d definitely have figured out by your current age?
Highlights Questions
"God has a strategy for every situation and a strength for every season." What do you need most right now: God’s strategy for your situation or His strength for your season?
"Moses made mistakes, but Joshua made adjustments." Share an example of an adjustment that you made after a mistake.
"The miracle is less about the shout when the walls fall, and it's more about showing up when they don't." What are some non-negotiables in your life right now that will help you grow stronger as you stay persistent?
Additional Questions
"Stop waiting to get to the good part. Get to the God part." Share about a time in your life when you experienced God’s presence in the middle of difficulty.
“I can do it different.” What’s a pattern you’ve recognized in your life that you don’t want to repeat? What could you do differently this time around?
“All progress doesn't feel like a straight line with God.” Share a time you felt like you were going backward only to realize later that God was still moving you forward.
“Stop while you're circling and praise the Lord for where you are right now.” What can you praise God for right now, even while you might be waiting for something else?
Prayer Prompt
Ask your eGroup if they have any prayer requests or praise reports they’d like to share, and include them in your closing prayer.
Pray this prayer over your eGroup to close, and/or send it to them throughout the week to let them know you’re praying for them!
We thank You, Lord, that we can trust You in all circumstances. We trust You with the stuff we don't understand. We trust You with the stuff we can’t predict. We trust You with the stuff we can’t control. We trust You with our struggles, our relationships, and our priorities, because it’s so much more productive to trust You than to worry. We’re done waiting for the “good part.” Please show us the “God part” – Your presence in our current situation. No matter what we’re facing today, we will choose to praise You and trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Content
Here’s some additional content you can use to encourage your group this week.
Go Deeper: Bonus Question
Pastor Steven said, “I'm not blowing my trumpet because of a wall. I'm blowing it because of a Word.” Take turns sharing in your eGroup truths from God’s Word that you can praise Him for right now, even before your situation changes. If your group needs some ideas, start with these Scriptures: Psalm 23:6, 1 John 1:9, Isaiah 53:5, Jeremiah 31:3, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Joshua 1:9, Romans 8:1.
Sing this song to God this week as a reminder to trust God’s strategy and rely on His strength.
Listen to this song from Elevation Worship when you need to stop circling your situation and praising the Lord for His presence.