Don't Look Back

This week in youth, we studied Genesis 18–19 and talked about God's mercy, the importance of prayer, and what it means to leave our old ways behind as we follow Jesus.

What We Learned

1. Prayer Matters. In Genesis 18, Abraham prayed and interceded on behalf of others. We discussed how God invites us to pray for others and intercede on their behalf.

2. God Calls Us Forward. When Lot and his family were warned to leave Sodom, they had a choice to trust God's instructions and move forward. Following God often means leaving behind attitudes, habits, or influences that pull us away from Him.

3. Don't Look Back Lot's wife looked back because her heart remained attached to what she was leaving behind. We talked about how it can be difficult to let go of old patterns, but God calls us to trust Him with our future.

Big Idea

God's plan for our future is greater than the things He asks us to leave behind.

Questions to Discuss at Home

• What stood out to you most from this week's lesson?

• Why do you think Lot hesitated to leave?

• Why is it sometimes hard to let go of things we know aren't good for us?

• Is there anything in your life that distracts you from following God wholeheartedly?

• Who is someone our family can be praying for this week?

Family Challenge

As a family, take a few minutes to talk about one habit, attitude, distraction, or fear that each person wants God to help them leave behind. Then pray for one another, asking God for courage to keep moving forward.

You could also write these things on slips of paper and throw them away together as a reminder that, through God's help, we don't have to return to the things He has rescued us from.

This Week's Prayer

God, thank You for Your mercy and for loving us enough to lead us toward what is best. Help us trust You enough to leave behind anything that keeps us from following You fully. Give us courage to move forward and hearts that are fixed on You. Help us pray faithfully for others and reflect Your love in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of investing in your student. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you as you help them grow in their faith and learn to follow Jesus each day.