Date: December 21, 2025
Session Title: When Your Understanding Falls Short
The Point: God can do great things through you.
Get Into the Study
Read after GUIDE:
There are many living things at the beach, from crabs to snails to sea urchins. And now, there are man-made skeletal structures that move on the power of the wind. Created out of tape, wood, screws, and fabric, these structures “walk” on their own power, creating a unique display to beach goers.
Though the design is simplistic, by placing special tubes together at just the right angle, legs are created which causes each structure to look like it is walking down the beach. Due to the wind current propelling the structure, there is no need for an engine or other means of man-made momentum. As long as there is wind, there will always be movement.
Like the wind that powers the structures, the Holy Spirit works in our lives for the glory of God. What is one way that God is working in and through your life today?
The 34-Year Experiment That Turned Plastic Tubes Into A Living “Species” | Watch
Get Into the Study (Option for Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play a video clip of a positive news story. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
Option from Daily Discipleship Guide Leader Guide
After reading Luke 1:31-34, play “Mary Did You Know?” for the group and discuss what Mary knew and what she didn’t know based on the information Gabriel came to share with her. Guide the group to consider how they respond when facing confusing circumstances that God allows in their path.
Live It Out
Read after GUIDE, Bullet Point “Retreat”:
It’s estimated that Americans spend 7 hours of screen time a day. This has shown to lead to mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. It can also cause difficulty falling asleep at night or lack of motivation and productivity during the day.
Because of this, it is important to take time away from technology and “unplug” on a regular basis. Here are some tips to take this from a one-time retreat to a weekly routine.
- Set tech-free hours. This is particularly helpful first thing in the morning or in the evening, before you go to bed.
- Create screen-free zones. The best places to have screens be off-limits are in the bedroom or/and in the dining room to help create time for relationship building and one-on-one bonding.
- Schedule off-line activities, such as going for a walk, listening to nature (bird singing, insects chirping, the wind in the trees), journaling or getting together in person with a trusted friend.
- Utilize the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone to block notifications and minimize interruptions at specific times during your day so that you can focus on meditation, scripture or interpersonal relationships.
God is with us all the time, and utilizing these options can help us cut through the clutter to hear His voice. How can you take a time each week to be silent, away from all the noise of life and enter into fellowship with God?
Top 10 Benefits of Unplugging from Technology: Reclaim Your Time, Mind, and Health
The week’s writer for Extra is Erika Morrison. Erika is the daughter of missionary parents. She lives in Southwest Michigan, where she serves as the executive director of a human services non-profit, and speaks regularly on poverty culture, and having a relationship with Jesus.
Additional Questions
Icebreakers:
- What’s the most unexpected news you ever received?
- Do you like to be surprised? Why or why not?
- As you have gotten older, have you grown more or less concerned about things you don’t understand? Why?
Luke 1:26-30. God’s presence opens up unexpected possibilities.
- What does it mean to find favor with God?
- Do you think Mary’s troubled response was appropriate? Why or why not?
- How do you know when God is speaking to you?
Luke 1:31-34. God’s plans are not hampered by our lack of understanding.
- In this passage, how does the constant use of the word will demonstrate God’s sovereign plan?
- What are some circumstances you’ve experienced or seen firsthand, where it could give real comfort to have confidence in the plans of God?
- Why was Mary so confused by the angel’s proclamation?
Luke 1:35-38. God’s power can do great things through us.
- In what ways can confidence in (and reliance on) the Holy Spirit help us move through unexpected circumstances?
- How did the angel answer Mary’s question?
- What confirmation did the angel give to Mary to prove his message was true?
Podcast
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