Your Next Messy Step
Sermon Summary
This message is for when life feels uncertain and you’re not sure what God wants you to do next. We often look for strategy or certainty, but God’s looking for surrender. Pastor Steven teaches from the life of Jacob how to take the next “messy” step.
Sermon Highlights
Every time God has greatly moved — it was messy.
What is explained as strategic is experienced as surrender.
There’s really only one step to raising godly kids — here God.
I’m following Jesus, flawed.
Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve run into grace.
Three things were going on in Jacob’s life: a mistake, a middle, and a move.
Even if you are in a place where God didn’t guide you, He will provide if you turn to Him.
It’s not when we get there that God shows up. It’s in the middle.
The greatest miracles start in the messiest situations.
It’s not you figuring this out; it’s following Jesus into the mess.
It’s not Jacob’s step that saved him. It was God’s.
Everything God is in, feels uncertain.
It’s not strategy that blesses your life — it’s surrender.
Scriptures:
Genesis 28:10-22 – God speaks to Jacob in a dream
John 1:51 – The angels of God ascending and descending.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
What’s one place in your life that you can’t stand to be messy? (Your car, desk, kitchen, etc.)
Discussion Questions
“The greatest miracles start in the messiest situations.” What mess in your life has God turned into a miracle?
“It’s not strategy that blesses your life — it’s surrender.” What do you need to surrender to take your next step?
Additional Questions
“It’s not when we get there that God shows up. It’s in the middle.” When has God shown up in the middle of a difficult situation for you?
“Everything God is in, feels uncertain.” What move is God calling you to make in spite of the uncertainty?
For parents:
“There’s really only one step to raising godly kids — here God.” Is there an area in your children’s lives you’re trying to control that needs to be surrendered to God?
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!
Lord, I pray for each person in this group who is going through an uncertain time in their lives. I pray that as they invite you into it and surrender their need for certainty, they will experience your presence and be reminded that You’re there. Give them the courage to trust You and take their next messy step in faith. Amen.