Purpose in the Pivotal, Part 1: Where Are You Going to Pivot?
April 27, 2025

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Message Review

Pivotal circumstances—those unexpected, life-altering moments—are a shared human experience. Rather than seeking quick fixes or retreating in frustration, God invites us to lean in and discover purpose amidst the pivotal. These moments become opportunities to go deeper with God, not by asking “Why did this happen?” but “What could God do in me and through me here?” The overarching invitation is to chase after God, not answers or outcomes, and trust that He can use even the hardest seasons to grow our relationship with Him.

Main Point: Pivotal circumstances come for all of us, and we have a choice when they come – pivot toward God and trust Him or pivot away from Him and try to navigate them on our own.

Scripture References: James 1:2-4; Revelation 3:20; Proverbs 2:1-5

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was James 1:2-18 Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the following Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (Use the Bible Overview to learn the context)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage? What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was Jesus’ original intent in this passage? What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you want to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon?

  • How do people typically respond when life takes an unexpected turn, and why do you think those reactions are so common?

  • Have you ever gone through a “pivotal circumstance”—a moment that completely changed your life’s direction? What happened, and how did you respond?

  • Why do you think it's so natural to ask questions like “Why me?” or “Where are you, God?” during difficult seasons?

  • Read James 1:2-4. What do you think James means when he says to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials? How can we find real joy in hard times without pretending everything is okay?

  • Read Proverbs 2:1-5. What does Proverbs say is the result of seeking God’s wisdom during a difficult time? What stood out to you from that passage?

  • According to these scriptures, what does “going deeper” with God look like in real life?

  • Andy shared several ways we can connect with God in pivotal circumstances—like reading Scripture, journaling, listening to worship music, going for a walk, or even eating donuts by the lake. Which of those stood out to you, and which one could you try this week?

  • It’s easy to drift from Jesus when life gets complicated or uncertain. What would it look like for you to intentionally spend more time with Him right now?

  • Andy said, “You have as much God as you want.” What’s one small step you can take this week to open the door to more of God in your life?

  • What is the opportunity and purpose we can find with every pivotal circumstance?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.