Is This The Right Decision? | Steven Furtick

Summary

In this powerful sermon, the speaker addresses the anxieties of decision-making, particularly for college freshmen questioning their choice of school. Emphasizing that the path chosen is less important than the people met and the journey taken, the speaker encourages finding peace with decisions and focusing on personal growth. Using the metaphor of a child learning to walk, the sermon illustrates God's guidance and support, urging listeners to trust in divine direction and walk by faith, not by sight, acknowledging that God's backing provides the strength to face life's challenges.

Takeaways

• 🧭 The main message is that the path you choose isn't as important as how you walk on it. It's about the journey, not the destination.
• 🤔 Decision-making can be overwhelming, but it's essential to focus on the people and experiences that will help you grow, rather than getting stuck on the 'right' choice.
• 🏫 The speaker reassures college students that their choice of school isn't as critical as finding the right community and making the most of their experience.
• 🏛️ The importance of a church or institution is not in its name or location, but in the personal connection and spiritual growth it fosters.
• 🗣️ God's guidance is continuous and omnipresent, speaking to us in every situation, even when we feel we've made wrong turns.
• 👣 The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking by faith, not by sight, trusting in God's direction even when the path ahead is unclear.
• 👶 The analogy of a child learning to walk is used to illustrate how God guides us step by step, celebrating small victories and providing encouragement along the way.
• 🎉 Early achievements in one's spiritual journey may receive much praise and attention, but the speaker encourages continuous growth and learning beyond these initial steps.
• 🔮 The speaker shares a personal story about having his brother's back, illustrating the concept of support and protection in times of need.
• 💪 Confidence comes not from personal strength alone, but from the knowledge that there is a higher power supporting and guiding you.

Q & A

What is the main message the speaker is trying to convey about decision-making?

The speaker emphasizes that the initial decision is not as critical as the journey and the people you meet along the way. They suggest that it's more important to find the right people and walk the path well, rather than being overly concerned with the choice itself.

How does the speaker relate the concept of 'turning to the right or to the left' to life choices?

The speaker uses the phrase 'turning to the right or to the left' as a metaphor for the various paths one can take in life, suggesting that God's guidance and presence are not dependent on the specific path chosen, but rather on how one proceeds on that path.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'Sometimes our options are the enemy of our peace'?

The speaker implies that having too many choices can lead to indecision and anxiety, which detracts from our sense of peace and contentment. They argue that it's better to make a choice and move forward rather than being paralyzed by the fear of missing out on other options.

Why does the speaker believe that the specific church one attends is not as important as the commitment to one's spiritual journey?

The speaker believes that the commitment to spiritual growth and the relationship with God is more significant than the physical location of worship. They suggest that God can speak and guide individuals regardless of where they choose to worship.

What is the significance of the speaker's statement about their favorite church?

The speaker's statement about having a favorite church serves to illustrate that even in a place of great personal significance, the act of engaging with one's faith and spiritual growth is more important than the location itself.

How does the speaker use the example of their child's first steps to relate to the audience's spiritual journey?

The speaker uses the example of their child's first steps to demonstrate the progression from initial, simple achievements to more complex ones in a spiritual journey. They suggest that as one grows in faith, the challenges and expectations evolve, and the support and encouragement may become less overt.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'God's got your back'?

The phrase 'God's got your back' is used by the speaker to convey the idea that God is supporting and protecting individuals, even when they are not aware of it. It implies that God is actively working on their behalf, even in unseen ways.

Why does the speaker compare their own high school experience to their child's?

The speaker compares their own high school experience to their child's to highlight the differences in challenges and support systems across generations. It serves to emphasize the importance of having someone's back, or support, in navigating life's obstacles.

What is the importance of the verse Isaiah 30:21 in the context of the speaker's message?

The verse Isaiah 30:21 is significant because it reinforces the speaker's message about God's guidance and presence in one's life. It suggests that God will provide direction and speak to individuals, even when they are not actively seeking it.

How does the speaker use humor to connect with the audience?

The speaker uses humor by sharing personal anecdotes and light-hearted observations about life, such as the differences in high school experiences and the reactions to their child's first steps. This approach helps to create a relatable and engaging atmosphere for the audience.