Everyone always questions God’s will for their lives… Especially when there are choices to be made. It can sometimes seem difficult to discover God’s plan. BUT, Noah gives us a great example of a guy who found God’s plan, followed it, and the rest is history!
Lifegroup discussion questions after that little jump!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Do you ever find it difficult to know what God’s plan for you is today?
Jesus has a key for us to know so we can better follow his plan…
“If you love me, obey my commandments.
-John 14:15
Such a simple command from Jesus, yet there is such depth here. Jesus implies obedience follows love. If you love, you will first know his commands for you, and you will follow those commands.
Love precedes obedience
Isn’t this why we have been given the Great Commandment? “Love God, and love others?” This comes first.
Yet, often we get the order backwards. Sometimes, we feel that obedience is required, when it should simply be a response to His love for us. What is the difference?
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
-Romans 13:8-10
How does that work out in our lives?
The more we love God, the more we trust him. The more we trust Him, the more we love Him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
-Proverbs 3:5-6
I love this verse. Have you ever taken a hike here in the North Georgia mountains? There are many trails you can take to beautiful waterfalls, scenic vistas, or just to wander around in the woods. Some trails are straight.. But not many. Most are really crooked… They wind all around. Some zigzag back and fourth. What is the reason for the paths being crooked?
The simple answer is that the crooked paths are the ones going up and down steep slopes. The straighter paths are the easier ones, usually down low in valleys or fields. Crooked paths mean a lot of sweat and strain. Straight paths are much much easier. SO, what does this verse imply?
In Genesis 22, Abraham had to trust God with the life of his son. Do you know that story?
Abraham trusted God… He loved God enough that even the most important thing in his life, his son, paled in comparison. What would it look like for us to love, or to trust God that much in our own life?
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. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:8-9