Getting “In” On What God Is Doing
Pastor Ben Johnson – February 8, 2026
Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) – For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
God is doing something NEW, and He is BUILDING through us what time cannot DESTROY.
1. Become BURDENED with what burdens GOD.
Nehemiah 1:1–4 (NLT) – In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
Before God builds something THROUGH us, He STIRS something WITHIN us.
2. Stop EXCUSING yourself. Don’t let failure SILENCE your calling.
Nehemiah 1:5–10 (NLT) – Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’ “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants.
God often turns a deep CONCERN into a divine CALLING.
3. EXPECT God to MOVE, and be READY when He does.
Nehemiah 1:11 (NLT) – O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”
What God PREPARES in us determines what He can BUILD through us.
God is ALREADY working, so don’t MISS your opportunity to JOIN in.
My Response This Week
God is stirring a burden in my heart for...
One step of faith I need to take is...
Series Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to see what You are doing. Break through every distraction, comfort, and complacency that keeps me from stepping forward in obedience. Stir my faith to move beyond good intentions into bold action. Give me clear vision and a deep burden for spiritual growth, renewal, and revival. Fill me with boldness as I step into everything You are calling me to in my church, my community, and beyond. I surrender completely to Your will, Your way, for Your glory. Amen.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: What is something new you would like to start this year?
DIGGING IN: Read aloud, Isaiah 43:19 (NLT): “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
1. What has been weighing on your heart lately that might actually be something God is inviting you to care about or pray into?
2. What distractions, comforts, or excuses tend to keep you from stepping forward in obedience when you sense God prompting you?
3. Where do you sense God calling you to move beyond good intentions into bold action right now?
4. Nehemiah prayed before the opportunity appeared. What practices help you stay spiritually ready to respond when God opens a door?
5. The series prayer says, “We surrender completely to Your will, Your way, for Your glory.” What would full surrender look like for you this week?
BRINGING IT HOME: This week, pay attention to what burdens your heart. What may feel heavy could be God gently inviting you to step forward in faith. You are not alone, and you are not unprepared. God is going before you, He is already at work, and He is building something that will last. Step forward with courage, and don’t miss your opportunity to join in.