Step By Step [Obey God, Even If You Don't Know Where He's Leading] Discussion Guide

Summary
In this sermon, Jonathan continues the series on taking steps in our walk of faith by examining Abraham's story from Hebrews 11:8. Abraham obeyed God's call to leave his home without knowing where he was going, demonstrating that faith is about trusting God's character rather than understanding His plan. The sermon highlights how Abraham's faith journey was a step-by-step process that included waiting, testing, and leaving a legacy that extended beyond his lifetime.

Jonathan emphasizes three key aspects of faith: faith grows through waiting (as Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac), faith gets tested (as when God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac), and faith leaves a legacy (as Abraham never saw the full fulfillment of all of God's promises).

The message concludes with the challenge that God doesn't reveal His entire plan at once because it would overwhelm us; instead, He gives us grace for each step and asks us to trust Him even when we don't know where He's leading.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your word today, we thank You for Your guidance in our lives. Just as You led Abraham step by step, we ask that You would help us trust You even when the path ahead is unclear. Open our hearts to receive what You want to teach us through this discussion. Give us the courage to obey even when we don't understand where You are leading. Help us to walk by faith and not by sight, surrendering our desire for control and embracing Your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker
If you had to wear a blindfold and be led around by someone else for an entire day, who would you trust to guide you and why?

Key Verses

• Hebrews 11:8
• Genesis 12:1-4
• Genesis 22:2
• Hebrews 11:13
• James 1:22-25

Questions

• Jonathan said, 'Faith is taking steps based on trusting God's character, not your own understanding.' How have you experienced this in your own life?
• Abraham waited 25 years for God's promise of a son to be fulfilled. What are you currently waiting on God for, and how is that waiting affecting your faith?
• Why do you think God often reveals His plan to us one step at a time rather than showing us the whole picture?
• The sermon mentioned that Abraham never saw most of God's promises fulfilled in his lifetime. How does this challenge your perspective on obedience and faith?
• What is the difference between understanding God's plan and trusting God's character? Which do you tend to prioritize?
• Jonathan compared faith to running a marathon - taking it step by step rather than being overwhelmed by the whole journey. What's one small step of faith God might be asking you to take right now?
• Abraham made mistakes along his journey of faith. How does knowing this encourage you in your own walk with God?
• How might God be using you to impact people beyond your lifetime? How does this perspective change how you view your current obedience?

Life Application
This week, identify one specific step of obedience that God is asking you to take - whether in your relationships, work, school, or your relationship with Him. Don't worry about understanding the entire plan or where this step will ultimately lead. Simply commit to taking that one step in faith, trusting God's character rather than requiring complete understanding. Write down what this step is, pray about it daily, and by the end of the week, take action on it. Then reflect on how it felt to obey without seeing the whole picture.

Key Takeaways

• Faith grows through waiting - God uses seasons of waiting to build our trust and prepare us for what's ahead.
• Faith gets tested - Our trust in God is proven not when we understand His plan, but when we hold onto His character even when the plan makes no sense.
• Faith leaves a legacy - Some of God's promises through our obedience may impact generations beyond our lifetime.
• God reveals His plan step by step because seeing the entire journey would overwhelm us.
• Obey God even if you don't know where He is leading - faith is not about arriving at a destination but trusting the One who walks with you.

Ending Prayer
Lord God, thank You for the example of Abraham who trusted You step by step even when he couldn't see the full picture. We confess that we often want to know the entire plan before we're willing to take the first step of obedience. Forgive us for our hesitation and fear. Help us to trust Your character more than we need to understand Your plan. Give us the courage to take the next step You're asking of us this week. May our obedience, like Abraham's, create a legacy of faith that impacts others beyond what we can see. Thank You that You walk with us every step of the way, providing exactly what we need for each moment. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.