Next Starts Now: By Faith, With Faith (Week 6)
Preacher: Justin Matthews
Worship:
Suggested Song: “Run to the Father” — Cody Carnes
A song that invites us into honest prayer, surrender, and dependence on God.
Check-in:
Where have you recently seen God answer a prayer – big or small – in your life or someone close to you?
Big Idea:
In Joshua 9–10 we see two contrasting pictures: the danger of moving without consulting God, and the power of praying bold, faith filled prayers when we trust Him.
Joshua and the Israelites enter a treaty without seeking God – and it pulls them into a battle they were never meant to fight. Yet even in their missteps, God speaks again, strengthens them, and invites Joshua to pray an audacious, impossible prayer: “Sun, stand still.”
Joshua prayed what made no logical sense because he believed God’s promise: “Do not be afraid… I have given you victory.”
This story invites us to examine two things:
- Where are we acting without consulting God?
- What bold prayer would we pray if we really believed God is with us, hears us, and can do the impossible?
Praying By Faith means asking God for what seems impossible.
Praying With Faith means trusting God with how and when He answers.
Key Scriptures:
- Joshua 9:14 – They did not consult the Lord
- Joshua 10:7–14 – Joshua’s bold prayer; God’s miraculous response
- Matthew 11:28 – Jesus invites us to bring our burdens
- Matthew 7:7–8 – Keep asking, seeking, and knocking
- Ephesians 3:20 – God can do immeasurably more
Discussion Questions:
- Consulting God – Slowing Down Before Acting
Where are you most tempted to rely on your own logic, experience, or emotion instead of seeking God’s direction first? - Impossible Prayers – By Faith, With Faith
What is one prayer in your life right now that feels too big, too unrealistic, or too impossible to even say out loud – yet deep down you long for God to move? - Trusting God With the Outcome
What would it look like for you to surrender the how and when of God’s answer – trusting that prayer is your part, and answering is His?
Prayer Pointers
Invite the group to pray their By Faith, With Faith prayer aloud or silently:
- Courage: “Lord, help me to pray boldly.”
- Confidence: “You are with me – You hear me.”
- Surrender: “Your will be done. Your timing. Your way.”
