Middle School Week 2 (May 27): Gideon – I don’t follow what I feel.
Discussion Goal:
God is with me even when I feel unsure.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
What’s something you didn’t try because you were unsure about it, but now you wish you had? (e.g., learning an instrument, trying a new sport, eating a type of food, going to a special place, etc.)
Optional activity: Would You Try It?
Say, “We’re talking about Gideon this week. He didn’t trust God right away to step out in faith. Let’s see how quick you’d be to ‘step out’ and do these things.”
Tell youth they will stand up if they’d step out and try the thing you say, they will stand up halfway if they’re unsure what they’d do, and they’ll sit down if they wouldn't try it.
- Try out for a sport you’ve never played before
- Sit down at a lunch table with other youth you’ve never met
- Invite a friend to church or YTH Night / YTH Co.
- Speak up when you think something isn’t right
- Pray out loud in front of others
- Apologize first after an argument
- Share your opinion when all of your friends disagree
- Try a crazy food combo (e.g., a pickle dipped in chocolate)
- Sing karaoke in front of people
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
What’s something you’ve had to figure out recently where you weren’t totally sure what to do?
Have you ever felt unsure in your faith? Do you think it’s okay to feel that way? Why or why not?
Read Judges 6:36-40. Gideon was unsure that God would do what He’d said; he asked God for multiple signs before he trusted Him. Why do we sometimes want to be 100% sure before we take a step or make a decision? If you’re already completely sure about something, does it still take faith to do it? Why or why not?
Is there anything in your life right now where you feel unsure, and you wish God would just make it really obvious what to do?
⬆️ Leader Tip: If anyone in your group is facing a situation where they really want or need God's direction, pray for them together as a group. Ask God to give them wisdom and courage in making the best choice.
Feeling unsure doesn’t mean God isn’t with you. How does that encourage you? How does it change things to know God is with you even when you feel unsure?
👀🔎 Eye Check: Gideon took a step and trusted God even though he wasn’t sure. What’s something you feel that doesn’t line up with what God wants for you? Talk about it as a group, and encourage each other: Don’t follow what you feel.
Pray: God, thank You for being patient with us, especially when we have doubts. Give us the courage and strength to step out even when we’re unsure. Remind us that no matter how unsure we feel, we can trust that You’re right there with us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Additional Questions
Read 2 Corinthians 5:7. Living by faith can be tough when we have doubt. Gideon could have waited until he felt sure, but he decided to trust God and took a step. What does “living by faith and not by sight” mean in your own words?
What could that look like in real life, like at school, with friends, or when you have to make a decision?
What are some thoughts you have that keep you feeling unsure or stuck? (e.g., “What if I’m wrong?” “Is this the best way?” “What if they are wrong?” etc.) What do you think it would look like to have faith and take a step forward anyway in those situations?