When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned

Discussion Questions:

Share an example of a time when your plans were interrupted? What happened? How did it make you feel?

Why is it that we have a difficult time being flexible when it comes to the plans we make?

What can we assume from Luke 1:26-38 about Mary’s plans before she encountered the angel Gabriel? How might news of an unexpected pregnancy have been taken by a girl in her situation?

What does Mary’s response in verse 38 tells about her faith in God?

Why is it important for us to know of God’s sovereignty, omniscience, and love as we encounter adjustments to our plans in life?

While Gabriel’s news had big ramifications for the rest of Mary’s life, it also had big ramifications for the world. Spend a few moments talking about what God accomplished through the birth of his Son. How might understanding this affect our willingness to humbly submit to God when our plans are changed?