Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
Sherlyn described sensing God leading her to accept a Sewing Circle nomination she didn’t want, and she told the Lord she would do it “with my whole heart…100%” if He would help; what does this story suggest about how God guides (premonition, reluctance, obedience, desire), and how do you discern the difference between reluctance that should be resisted and reluctance that might be wise?
Another way to ask: What does Sherlyn’s story about taking a role she didn’t want teach about how God leads us when we feel reluctant? How can you tell the difference between reluctance you should push through and reluctance that is a wise warning?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Sherlyn’s story suggests God’s guidance can come through an inner sense (“premonition”), real reluctance, and then a decisive step of obedience that God later fills with joy and clarity. The transcript doesn’t give a full method for discernment, but it implies that obedience accompanied by a wholehearted commitment can become a doorway to greater desire and fruitful service.
- Sherlyn says she had a “premonition that I would get nominated,” and “I did not want to do it.”
- She acknowledges she “had the option to say no,” yet “felt God was leading me to accept it.”
- Her prayer sets a posture: “I would do it with my whole heart…give it my 100%, but I would like his help.”
- Soon after, she has the vivid dream/vision that launched the book, implying God confirmed and directed her service.
- She describes a surprising change: her “heart was just pounding with excitement” about Sewing Circle, and “that excitement never left me.”