ong: “GOD Has A Way Of Working It Out” by Elaine Norwood

That statement is strong—and it can anchor a very effective, conviction-driven thing moment.

The key will be to move it from sounding accusatory to biblically diagnostic and redemptive: showing us that God’s “best” is not withheld arbitrarily, but often missed when His prescribed path is resisted.

Class Title: “God’s Best Requires God’s Way: Why Some Never Walk in It”

Central Thesis: Many believers desire God’s promises, but resist God’s process. When we reject His solutions, we disqualify ourselves from experiencing His best—not because God is unwilling, but because we are unaligned.

Anchor Scripture: Isaiah 1:19 – If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

This establishes the condition: willingness + obedience = access to God’s best.

Lesson 1: God Always Provides a Solution Before Expecting a Result

Key Scripture:

• Deuteronomy 30:19 – I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Teaching Point: God never demands transformation without giving direction. The issue is rarely lack of guidance—it’s rejection of it.

Application Question: Where has God already shown you what to do—but you haven’t done it?

Lesson 2: Wanting God’s Best Without Following His Way Creates Frustration

Case Study: Naaman

2 Kings 5:10-14: Naaman wanted healing but rejected the simplicity of God’s instruction.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.”

11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.

12 Are not Abana[a] and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Key Insight: God’s solutions often offend human pride.

12 Are not Abana[a] and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

Teaching Line: When God’s method doesn’t match your expectation, pride will tempt you to walk away from your miracle.

Lesson 3: Partial Obedience Is Disobedience

Case Study: Saul

1 Samuel 15:22-23: “To obey is better than sacrifice…”

22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”

Saul modified God’s instructions and lost the kingdom.

Teaching Point: You cannot customize God’s solution and still expect God’s outcome.

Lesson 4: Delayed Obedience Can Cost You God’s Best Timing

Case Study: Israel in the Wilderness

• Numbers 13–14

• Hebrews 3:18-19

18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient?

19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

They were promised the land—but refused God’s directive due to fear.

Key Insight: They didn’t lose the promise—they lost their participation in it.

Teaching Line: Unbelief will make you wander in what God meant for you to conquer.

Lesson 5: God’s Best Is Found in Alignment, Not Effort Alone

Key Scripture:

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust and submit

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

• John 15:5 – Without Him, we can do nothing

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Teaching Point: It’s not about working harder—it’s about walking rightly.

Core Teaching Statement (Refined Version)

“Some will never experience God’s best—not because God withheld it—but because they refused to follow His prescribed solution.”

Practical Application Section

3 Diagnostic Questions

1. What has God already told me to do that I’ve delayed?

2. Have I substituted my preference for His instruction?

3. Am I asking God for results without submitting to His process?

Action Steps

• Repent of known disobedience – Acts 3:19

19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

• Return to clear instruction (not new revelation)

• Respond immediately (obedience has a window)

Closing Exhortation

James 1:22 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Optional Discussion Prompt

“Why do you think God’s simplest instructions are often the hardest to follow?”

Teaching Tone Suggestion (Important for Your Audience)

Given your background as a counselor and teacher, balance truth + invitation:

• Avoid sounding like God is withholding out of punishment