The Best is Yet to come

As we kick off a brand new series called, “New” studying the book of Zechariah. Zechariah’s prophecy, was written congruently with Haggai’s prophecy. 

The Temple is being restored and Zechariah warns God’s people to not make the mistakes of the generation before them. 

I believe that God’s best for you is still ahead! Regardless of your mistakes, in-spite of your history, no matter what you may be going through right now, God is not done in your life! The question for us is will we take the wisdom of the past and the faith we have in God’s promises and together step into the future? 

First Zechariah instructs the people to LEAN into their relationship with God. 

“So tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord of Armies says: Return to me—this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies—and I will return to you, says the Lord of Armies.” - Zechariah 1:3 

As we start a new year, as we step into new seasons and opportunities, as we believe that God has more for us in the future, we need to make sure to include God in it. How foolish would it be to believe that God has more for our future but then never consult him as to what that future might be? 

This would be like me telling you that I had buried a treasure, worth millions of dollars, and I wanted it to be yours but you never asking me where it was. 

God has called our church to go deeper this year, and often going deeper is what is required to be ready for the things God want’s to do in our future. 

If God has a future for you to be married, how are you preparing to be a Godly spouse? If God has a future where you are called into the workforce, how are you preparing now for the ways you will lead others in that space? If God has a future where he gives you influence, prepare now by using the influence you have to point others to him! To receive from God all that God has for us, we have to be connected to God and his heart for us!

Zechariah continues his instruction, telling us to learn.  “Do not be like your ancestors” Zechariah instructs. (Zech 1:4) The past mistakes in our own lives and in others is one of the greatest tools that we can use for growth into the future. The past isn’t to live in, but it is to learn from! 

God is doing something new that isn’t determined by our past mistakes or failures. This truth doesn’t change the fact that we learn from the past. 

God has given us parents, small group leaders, pastors, teachers and mentors to help us! Learning from them is one of the greatest gifts for stepping into the future God has for us. YES! God has more for you, but often the work he wants to do in the future begins with us learning from what he has already done.

I am believing for you truly the best is yet to come! As followers of Jesus, God is using even our worst days and darkest moments for our good and his glory. Will you choose to lean into his faithfulness and learn from others and your own past as we step into all that God has for us in the future? 

THE BEST IS YET TO COME! 

Questions for Deeper Discussion: 

1. What was one thing that stood out to you from the message or your small group tonight? 

2. Share with your student a time where God was faithful even when things didn’t make sense. Ask them if they have a similar experience. 

3. Ask them how you can better help them step into all that God has for them by sharing with them the struggles you might have faced. 

4. How can I pray for you? - What are you praying for God to do in your life right now?