You Can Change The End
Pastor Steven Furtick
Sermon Summary
You might not be able to change your past, but you can change what happens next. When life feels stuck or uncertain, remember this: the result belongs to God, but your response is still in your hands. You don’t have to control the outcome, just move forward and trust Him with what comes next.
Sermon Highlights
Three responses to adversity:
God’s people: “It’s over.”
Moses: “Stand still.”
God: “Move on.”
Big doors swing on little hinges. The smallest decision that you make can be a hinge to the biggest event.
What response will you give when the results are not under your control?
You are standing at “hinge moments” every day. It's the moment where you decide to go back, go forward, or stand still.
Beware of any interpretation of a word from God that pulls you toward an escape from reality rather than an embrace of responsibility.
Don’t leave things God has called you to be loyal to.
THE END → THEN. You can change “the end” to “then.”
You can’t fix the beginning. You don’t have to. Jesus died for that.
It doesn’t have to end like it is right now. You could change the end.
I will not let this event define the rest of my life.
You get to pick your next “then.” The result belongs to God. The response belongs to you.
Scriptures
Read this week’s scriptures. Ask your group what stands out to them.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Choose the one that works best for your group!
Pastor Steven told a story about a time that a one-letter typo created a huge ripple effect of last-minute changes for others. Have you ever sent a message that didn’t come out the way you intended? What happened?
Pastor Steven talked about a testimony he received from a staff member that really encouraged him. What’s the last message you received that made your day?
Discussion Questions
“THE END → THEN.” Look back at a situation that felt like "the end" in your life. What was the "then God" moment that followed it?
When life feels overwhelming, which of the three responses to adversity (it’s over, stand still, move on) do you tend to default to?
“You are standing at 'hinge moments' every day. It's the moment where you decide to go back, go forward, or stand still.” Where might you be at a “hinge moment” in your life right now, and what would it look like to take a step forward?
“Beware of any interpretation of a word from God that pulls you toward an escape from reality rather than an embrace of responsibility.” Where might God be calling you to lean in and take responsibility right now?
“I will not let this event define the rest of my life.” What’s something in your life that could easily define you if you let it, and what would it look like to move forward instead?
Prayer Prompt
Ask your eGroup if they have any prayer requests or praise reports they’d like to share, and include them in your closing prayer.
Pray this prayer over your eGroup to close, and/or send it to them throughout the week to let them know you’re praying for them!
Lord, thank You for giving us the ability to take steps forward and respond more like You in every circumstance. No matter what we face or how our stories started, we know You’re equipping us every step of the way to make small decisions that have a big impact for Your Kingdom. Please help us continue to take responsibility for our responses while we surrender the outcome to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Content
Here’s some additional content you can use to encourage your group this week.
Bonus Activity: Have everyone in your group set an alarm or reminder for 8:31AM (or PM) one day this week to remind them to read Romans 8:31!