Lessons from Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda

Small Group Guide: Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda
Opening Prayer & Icebreaker

Icebreaker Question: Share one "shoulda, coulda, woulda" moment from your life that taught you an important lesson.

Key Scripture Passages
Philippians 3:13-14 - Forgetting what lies behind and pressing forward
Jeremiah 29:11 - God's plans for our future
Philippians 2:14-16 - Living without complaining
Isaiah 43:18-19 - God doing a new thing
Revelation 21:5 - God making all things new
Key Takeaways

Past mistakes are stepping stones, not failures - Our past doesn't define us; it positions us for what God has next.

Making decisions based on who we are in Christ - We can't move forward if we make decisions based on who we were yesterday.

The upward call requires forward motion - Standing still means getting run over; we must continually press forward.

God's plans exceed our own - When we plan everything ourselves, we leave no room for God's perfect will.

Stop complaining and shine as lights - Moving forward means doing things differently than the world does.

God is doing a new thing - Deliverance is coming, but it may look different than we expect.

Discussion Questions
Section 1: Learning from the Past (15-20 minutes)

The pastor shared his farm failures as "stepping stones" rather than failures. How does reframing our mistakes as stepping stones change how we view them?

Read Philippians 3:13-14. What does it practically look like to "forget what lies behind" while still learning from the past? How do we balance these two things?

Have you ever found yourself making decisions based on who you were in the past rather than who you are in Christ? Share an example if you're comfortable.

Section 2: The Upward Call (15-20 minutes)

The sermon emphasized that Christianity is an "upward call," not a level path. What does spiritual growth look like in your life right now? Are you moving upward, standing still, or slipping backward?

Read Jeremiah 29:11. The pastor challenged the idea of planning out our entire lives without leaving room for God. How do you balance planning responsibly while remaining open to God's direction?

Discuss this statement: "If you plan out your entire life, you leave no room for God to do anything." Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Section 3: Moving Forward Without Complaint (15-20 minutes)

Read Philippians 2:14-16. Why do you think Paul connects "doing all things without grumbling" with "shining as lights in the world"? How does complaining dim our witness?

The pastor said, "Stop whining, get your head out of your rear end, act like a grown-up." While blunt, what truth is behind this challenge? What areas of complaining do you need to address?

Paul wanted to be proud "in the day of Christ" that he didn't labor in vain. How does this perspective motivate you to hold fast to God's Word?

Section 4: God's New Thing (15-20 minutes)

Read Isaiah 43:18-19. God told the Israelites to forget the former things because He was doing something new. What "former things" might God be asking you to let go of so you can embrace what He's doing now?

The sermon discussed AI, global events, and prophetic signs as indicators that we're living in significant times. How should awareness of the times affect how we live daily?

Read Revelation 21:5. The pastor emphasized that God will deliver us, but it may look different than expected. How does this truth encourage you when facing uncertainty?

Practical Application
Personal Reflection (Choose 1-2)

Identify one area where you're making decisions based on your past identity rather than your identity in Christ. Write down who God says you are and commit to making your next decision from that truth.

Take inventory of your complaints this week. Keep a journal of when you complain and what triggers it. Pray about replacing complaint with gratitude.

Examine your plans. Are you leaving room for God to interrupt and redirect? Pray: "Lord, give me this day my daily bread" and practice daily surrender.

Group Action Steps

Accountability partners: Pair up with someone to check in this week about moving forward rather than dwelling on the past.

Prayer focus: Commit to praying for spiritual preparation for whatever lies ahead, asking God for wisdom and discernment in these times.

Communion reminder: The pastor closed with communion, reminding us that Christ is our Passover Lamb. Consider taking communion together as a group, remembering His blood covers us and He will deliver us.

Closing Discussion

Final Question: Based on this message, what is one specific action you will take this week to press forward toward the upward call of Christ?

Closing Prayer Points
Thank God that our past doesn't define us
Ask for grace to stop complaining and shine as lights
Pray for wisdom to discern the times and prepare spiritually
Thank Jesus for being our Passover Lamb and coming deliverance
Commit to pressing forward in faith, not looking back
For Next Week

Prepare for the upcoming message on "Daddy Issues" - reflecting on your relationship with God as Father and how your earthly father relationships may have shaped your view of God.