Go After God's HeartSample

Give God Clay

Having no plan doesn’t make you more spiritual or more of a leader. It might actually accomplish the opposite. Some people think plans remove God from the picture and keep Him from being the ultimate lead. But what if plans can actually prepare you to take better directions from God and make more room for His ways? For instance, if you have no plan for what you’ll discuss next time your small group meets, then what do you have for God to shape? You probably have at least a week you could use to invite God to shape a great plan. Why not use it?

In 1 Samuel 23, we get an inside look at David’s unique decision-making relationship with God. At least four times in this chapter, David sought God’s insight for the decisions he was making to keep himself and his more than 600 men alive. Notice though, when he prayed, he came to God with a plan and asked God to give him direction. Then, when he got direction from God, he took immediate action. The prayer of a small group leader going after God’s heart might sound like, “God, should I pour into this specific relationship to train this person up as a leader?” God might say yes, or He might completely redirect you. The point is, you’re giving God clay for Him to mold and shape.

David’s four conversations with God were good for a few reasons. They kept David alive. They led 600 other men to stay alive, accomplish God’s will, and bring Him Glory. Finally, they brought David closer to God’s heart. God wants to partner with you—that’s why He called you. Are you coming to God with your plans? How would closer conversations with God affect the people you lead?

Leader Tip: Leaders bring their plans and questions into regular conversations with God.