Changing Plays

We know that we have come to know God if we obey his commands. 1 John 2:3 (NIrV)

Props: Football “playbook,” diagramming different formations and plays used in the game

If you know much about football, you should know what this is.  (Flip through the playbook, showing the class the different pages).  This is a playbook.  Each of these symbols represents different players on the team.  The book shows the different ways the players can line up to make a play, or who is going to throw the ball, who will catch it and what each player will be doing.  Some players have to block the other team, while others have to distract them and still others have to protect the one running with the ball. 

            The plays change throughout the game.  The players have to listen very carefully to the coach or they will miss the play and run the wrong way.  A player who isn’t paying attention could mess up the game for the entire team. 

            God gave some very unusual instructions to Joshua and the Israelites.  He wanted them to shout to knock down the city walls!  I have never seen a wall come down by yelling at it, but that was the command from God and that is what worked!  God may also give you some different instructions sometimes.  You have to always be listening for God’s voice and paying attention so He can tell you what is going to work for you. For example, you may be praying for three of your friends to come to know God.  He may tell you to pray for the first friend.  God may tell you to invite the second friend to church.  And He may tell you to offer to be partners with the third friend in a class project.  You may wonder how that could bring him or her to know the Lord, but God knows.  You just have to listen to God’s voice and follow His commands.  What worked before may not work this time.  God knows what will work and what won’t.  Like the football players, pay close attention to your “coach,” God, and live in obedience to Him.  You’ll win every time!