Week 1

It Was Never About The Donkeys

John Hansen, Lead Pastor - 5/17/2026

This sermon highlights how God often uses ordinary moments to lead us into extraordinary purpose, as seen in Saul’s journey from searching for lost donkeys to being anointed king. Through humility, obedience, and a transformed heart, believers are reminded to recognize God’s calling, reject limiting self-perceptions, and walk confidently in the new life and assignment He has prepared for them.

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Audio Link

"It Was Never About The Donkeys" 

Connect

Share about a travel story that didn't turn out like you expected

Take It In

What does this reveal about who God is?

  1. Read 1 Samuel 9:14-17. God was talking to Samuel about Saul the day before Saul even arrived. What does it tell you about God's character that He was already working before Saul knew anything was happening?
  2. Read 1 Samuel 9:21-24. Saul's self-limiting beliefs were rooted in a generational wound, a tribal shame that belonged to his tribe but not actually to his family's situation. Where does your negative self-assessment come from, and how much of it is actually true?
  3. Read 1 Samuel 10:1-10. Saul had a genuine new heart, a genuine anointing, and a genuine Spirit encounter and still ended up far from God by the end of his life. What does that tell you about the difference between receiving a new heart and stewarding one?

Talk About It

How do we practically apply this?

  1. Read 1 Samuel 9:5. Where in your life are you most tempted to give up right before the breakthrough?
  2. What is the specific negative self-assessment that most consistently talks you out of what God has called you to? Where did that voice come from?
  3. What is the difference between having a new heart and actually living from it? Where is that gap most visible in your own life right now?

Take It Home

What are we doing this week?

What is one specific step you will take this week to set aside that negative self-assessment and move toward it?

Complete this sentence and share it with the group: "This week I am setting aside ______ and stepping into ______."

Prayer Time

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