Desired Takeaway
Following Jesus often means surrendering the comfort of familiarity and allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape our assumptions, preferences, and boundaries so we can join God in what He is already doing.

Icebreaker (Lean In)

• What things in life are simply preferences, but you feel strongly about anyway?
(Examples: how to load the dishwasher, how towels should be folded, the “right” way to drive somewhere, music styles, etc.)
• Why do preferences sometimes start to feel like “the right way”?

Look Down — Scripture Exploration
Read Isaiah 55:8–9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
 neither are your ways my ways,”
 declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
 so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

• What stands out to you most in this passage?
• Why do you think God reminds His people that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours?
• How might this passage connect to Peter’s experience in Acts 10?
• What assumptions or expectations do humans naturally bring into their relationship with God?
• How can we tell the difference between:
  • biblical conviction,
  • personal preference,
  • and cultural tradition?
• In what ways does spiritual maturity require humility and openness to correction?

Look Out — Seeing the World Clearly

• Where do you see people confusing preference with truth in today’s culture?
• Why do people often resist change, even when the change could lead to growth or healing?
• What would it look like for Christians to become more attentive to where God is already at work in the world?

Look In — Personal Reflection

• Where in your life do you feel most resistant to discomfort or change right now?
• Have you ever realized that something you considered “faithfulness” was actually more about familiarity or control?
• What assumptions about faith, church, politics, relationships, or success might God be challenging in you?
• What would it look like for you to pray, “Yes, Lord,” before knowing all the details?

Live It Out

• Imagine a church where people consistently followed the Holy Spirit beyond comfort, preference, and control. What would be different?
• What could change in our relationships, neighborhoods, or workplaces if Christians genuinely saw people the way God sees them?
• What would the world look like if believers prioritized God’s mission over personal comfort?

Optional Exercises for the Week
1. Practice Surrender
Each morning this week, begin with a simple prayer:
“Holy Spirit, help me notice where You are already at work, and give me courage to follow.”

2. Cross a Comfort Boundary
Intentionally spend time with someone you might normally overlook, avoid, or misunderstand. Or do something you normally avoid for comfort reasons.
Pay attention to what assumptions surface in you during the experience.

3. Notice Your Preferences
Throughout the week, pay attention anytime you feel frustrated by change or discomfort. Ask yourself:
Is this truly a matter of faithfulness?
Or is this mostly about preference and familiarity?
Write down what you notice.

Prayer Prompt
Spend time praying for:

• humility to recognize where God may be challenging assumptions,
• courage to follow the Spirit into uncomfortable places,
• openness to people who are different from us,
• and trust in God’s wisdom above our own understanding.

You may also want to close by silently asking:
“Lord, where might I be resisting Your leading?”