Go After God's HeartSample

Open Up Momentum

Have you ever tried to decide where to eat out with your small group? Or maybe what topic to discuss next? If so, you know how difficult it can be to muster up momentum with a group of five to 12 people. Yesterday, we read about David marching into full-fledged battle and then traipsing around the wilderness with 600 powerful warriors who risked their lives to follow him instead of their King. Today we read about more agile and evasive movements by David and his men. What can we gather as leaders of groups? Most of us small group leaders aren’t running for our lives. Yet.

From David’s stories we’ve read together, we know he’s picked by God, he’s close to God, he learned to lead in the game, he’s taken on a giant, he had confidants like Jonathan, he stuck with what’s right, he worshipped God at all times, and he brought his plans before God. We know this by opening our Bibles and reading 1 Samuel together. Based on how loyally his men followed him around, we can also gather David was an open-book leader who allowed his men to see the same story we’re reading. The unwavering devotion of David’s men offers insight for us today. David must have known how to stop, open up with his men, discuss opportunities, and find momentum together. How often do you talk with your group about your struggles and your direction as a group?

This is all inference, but you know what else? David’s men probably trusted in more than just David. They probably learned from David to trust in God. So, it wasn’t just 600 men following one guy around. It was 601 men following one God around. When we go after God’s heart as an open book, we lead others to do the same. Now that’s momentum.

Leader Tip: Leaders live openly and motivate people into God’s momentum.