Church at the Shores
February 9th, 2025
In a world filled with noise, how do you hear the voice that matters most? Let’s discover it together.
Locations & Times
Church at the Shores
541 Cotton Creek Dr, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Friday 5:00 AM
HEARING GOD: PIVOTAL CIRCUMSTANCES - PART 6
Welcome to Church at the Shores! If you want to watch or listen to this message again or share it with a friend, visit www.churchattheshores.com.
Welcome to Church at the Shores! If you want to watch or listen to this message again or share it with a friend, visit www.churchattheshores.com.
Connect with Us
Take a moment to fill out our connect card, and we can answer any questions or direct you to the next steps in growing your faith.
https://churchattheshores.breezechms.com/form/a85922Join Our Generosity Team
Your generosity helps people encounter Jesus, plant churches, support missions, and transform our community. Thank you for faithfully honoring God through your tithes and offerings.
https://www.churchattheshores.com/give/"God is the God of “right now.” He doesn't want you sitting around regretting yesterday. Nor does He want you wringing your hands and worrying about the future. He wants you to focus on what He is saying to you and putting in front of you…"right now." - Priscilla Shirer
TWO KEYS
1.) God can and does speak through the circumstances of our lives.
2.) Not everything that happens is God speaking to us.
1.) God can and does speak through the circumstances of our lives.
2.) Not everything that happens is God speaking to us.
What if the very thing you are walking through is not proof of God's absence but a place where He is speaking the loudest?
EXAMPLES IN SCRIPTURE
1.) Noah
2.) Moses
3.) Balaam
4.) Jonah
5.) Jesus
1.) Noah
2.) Moses
3.) Balaam
4.) Jonah
5.) Jesus
God speaks to us through open or closed doors and suffering.
(See Acts 16)
(See Acts 16)
"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C.S. Lewis
IF GOD IS SPEAKING THROUGH YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES
1.) SLOW DOWN AND FILTER: FILTER THROUGH SCRIPTURE, THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TRUSTED VOICES
2.) LOOK FOR THE BIG PICTURE: DOES THIS ALIGN WITH A BIGGER STORY GOD IS WRITING
3.) ASK GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TEACH ME? ALMOST EVERY LIFE EVENT HAS A LESSON.
1.) SLOW DOWN AND FILTER: FILTER THROUGH SCRIPTURE, THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TRUSTED VOICES
2.) LOOK FOR THE BIG PICTURE: DOES THIS ALIGN WITH A BIGGER STORY GOD IS WRITING
3.) ASK GOD, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TEACH ME? ALMOST EVERY LIFE EVENT HAS A LESSON.
SMALL GROUP GUIDE
Icebreaker Question
Can you share a time when a small, unexpected event changed the course of your day or even your life?
Icebreaker Question
Can you share a time when a small, unexpected event changed the course of your day or even your life?
BIG IDEA
God speaks to us in many ways: through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, trusted voices, and circumstances.
God speaks to us in many ways: through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, trusted voices, and circumstances.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.) God speaks through circumstances. Looking at the four-legged stool—Scripture, the Holy Spirit, trusted voices, and circumstances—which one has played the biggest role in shaping your faith journey? Why?
2.) Holding the tension. We learned that not every event in life is a direct message from God, but God does use circumstances to guide us. How can we discern whether a situation is God speaking or just life happening?
3.) Have you ever had a “red light” moment where something didn’t go as planned, only to realize later that it was a blessing in disguise?
4.) Suffering and spiritual growth. Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 12 that God’s grace is sufficient, even in our struggles. How has God used suffering or difficulty in your life to shape your faith or reveal something about His character?
5.) What is God teaching you? Right now, in this season of your life, what circumstance might God be using to teach, shape, or direct you? How can you respond with faith and trust?
1.) God speaks through circumstances. Looking at the four-legged stool—Scripture, the Holy Spirit, trusted voices, and circumstances—which one has played the biggest role in shaping your faith journey? Why?
2.) Holding the tension. We learned that not every event in life is a direct message from God, but God does use circumstances to guide us. How can we discern whether a situation is God speaking or just life happening?
3.) Have you ever had a “red light” moment where something didn’t go as planned, only to realize later that it was a blessing in disguise?
4.) Suffering and spiritual growth. Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 12 that God’s grace is sufficient, even in our struggles. How has God used suffering or difficulty in your life to shape your faith or reveal something about His character?
5.) What is God teaching you? Right now, in this season of your life, what circumstance might God be using to teach, shape, or direct you? How can you respond with faith and trust?
E.S.P.N. for the Group Leader to Remember:
Encouragement
Leadership is 51% encouragement. Don’t underestimate the power of a kind word or a thoughtful affirmation. Look for opportunities to call out the good in each person and remind them of God’s work in their life. Encouragement builds trust and fosters connection in your group.
Scripture
Make space to read Scripture out loud together. God’s Word is living and active, and hearing it read aloud can open hearts and minds to His truth in a powerful way. Even a short passage can spark meaningful conversation and reflection.
Prayer
Create intentional moments for your group to pray together. Whether it’s a simple prayer for the week or interceding for specific needs, prayer connects us to Jesus—and Jesus transforms lives.
Next Step
Always point your group toward one clear, actionable next step before you end. It could be as simple as spending five minutes in stillness this week, reading a specific Scripture, or reaching out to someone in love. A clear next step helps people take what they’ve learned and put it into practice.
Encouragement
Leadership is 51% encouragement. Don’t underestimate the power of a kind word or a thoughtful affirmation. Look for opportunities to call out the good in each person and remind them of God’s work in their life. Encouragement builds trust and fosters connection in your group.
Scripture
Make space to read Scripture out loud together. God’s Word is living and active, and hearing it read aloud can open hearts and minds to His truth in a powerful way. Even a short passage can spark meaningful conversation and reflection.
Prayer
Create intentional moments for your group to pray together. Whether it’s a simple prayer for the week or interceding for specific needs, prayer connects us to Jesus—and Jesus transforms lives.
Next Step
Always point your group toward one clear, actionable next step before you end. It could be as simple as spending five minutes in stillness this week, reading a specific Scripture, or reaching out to someone in love. A clear next step helps people take what they’ve learned and put it into practice.
NEXT STEP 101 - HAPPENING TODAY
Next Step 101 is happening today! Join us in the gym directly after the 10AM service for lunch and a chance to make Church at the Shores your home. Learn about our story, beliefs, and values, and meet our Lead Pastor. We can’t wait to see you there!
NEXT STEP 201 - NEXT SUNDAY
Next Step 201 – Join a Team! Looking to get connected and make a difference? This is your next step! Learn how to serve on a team and get training to host a small group. Happening during the 8:30AM service. Contact Ryder to sign up and get details at ryder@churchattheshores.com.
HELP US - WRITE A GOOGLE REVIEW
One way you can help us make a big impact is by writing a short, positive review of your experience at Church at the Shores on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. It’s a small action that makes a big difference! Thank you!