GPS: God’s Powerful Story Begins with Your Call
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
What if God's whispering your name through the mundane moments of today? Moses spent 40 years babysitting sheep—not even his own—before encountering God's burning bush at age 80, proving our best days aren't behind us. Pastor John Mark reveals how God interrupts ordinary routines with extraordinary purpose, addressing Moses' five excuses that mirror our own fears about inadequacy and past failures. Whether you're feeling too old, too broken, or too ordinary, God doesn't call the ready—He readies the called. Don't miss this powerful reminder that your "yes" brings victory to others!
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
Pastor John Mark shared that Moses gave five excuses for why he couldn't lead God's people (insecurity about himself, doubts about God, needing others' approval, focusing on his weaknesses, and unwillingness). Which of these excuses do you find yourself using most often when God calls you to step out of your comfort zone?
Pastor explained that Moses wasn't ready for his calling - he was 80 years old, had been a murderer and fugitive, and had spent 40 years as a shepherd. Yet God still chose him and worked through his fears and excuses.
Think about a specific situation where God might be calling you to serve or step up. What excuse are you most tempted to use, and how might God's response to Moses apply to your situation?
The sermon emphasized that 'God doesn't call those who are ready. He readies those who are called.' How does this truth change the way we think about our qualifications or readiness to serve God?
Pastor John Mark pointed out that God didn't choose Moses because he had the perfect resume or was the most qualified person. Instead, God promised to be with Moses and give him everything he needed to succeed.
What area of your life do you feel least qualified to serve God in? How might trusting in God's presence and power instead of your own abilities change your perspective on that area?
According to Proverbs 3:5-6, we're told to 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.' Why is it often easier to trust GPS directions than to trust God's direction for our lives?
The pastor used the analogy of GPS rerouting us on trips, noting how quickly we follow those directions even when they don't make sense, compared to how slowly we respond to God's calling in our lives.
What would it look like practically for you to 'trust in the Lord with all your heart' in a current decision or situation you're facing? What would need to change in your approach?
Pastor John Mark said that 'God wants to interrupt your routine with his purpose.' Moses was just doing his everyday job of shepherding sheep when God called him through the burning bush. How might God be trying to interrupt your routine to give you a greater purpose?
The sermon emphasized that Moses wasn't in church or on a spiritual retreat when God called him - he was just doing his regular work. God can speak to us in the middle of our ordinary, everyday activities.
What routines or 'ordinary' parts of your life might God want to use for his purposes? How can you become more aware of God's voice in your daily activities?
The pastor ended with two key questions: 'Who does God want to use you to help?' and 'What is God asking you to do starting today?' How does understanding that our 'yes' to God always leads to victory for someone else motivate us to respond to his call?
The sermon showed that Moses' calling wasn't really about Moses - it was about the suffering Israelites who needed to be rescued from slavery. God's call on our lives is always connected to blessing and helping others.
Think about the people in your life, community, or church. Who might be waiting for your 'yes' to God? What specific step could you take this week to begin helping that person or group?
Prayer 🙏
Ask for any personal prayer requests and support needs from group members.
Pray for guidance in recognizing God's purpose when it interrupts our routines.
Seek courage to act on God's call even if we feel unprepared or hesitant.
Commit to being open to God's will, even if it initially doesn't align with our understanding.
