Divine Confirmation: Continuing a Legacy of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: God's Timing and Plan

In the tapestry of life, God's timing and plan are often revealed in unexpected ways. The discovery of a mother's past ministry in the same neighborhood where one is called to serve today is a profound testament to the divine orchestration of events. It is a reminder that our lives are intricately woven into a grand design, often beyond our understanding. Trusting in God's timing means believing that He is at work, even when the path seems unclear. This trust allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that He is guiding our steps for His purposes. [02:23]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt uncertain about your path. How can you trust in God's timing and plan for your life today?

Day 2: Legacy of Faith

The legacy of faith is a powerful force that transcends generations. The prayers and ministry of those who came before us lay a foundation upon which we can build. This legacy is not just a memory but a living testament to the enduring impact of faithfulness. As we walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, we are reminded that our actions today can influence future generations. Embracing this legacy means recognizing our role in a larger story and committing to live out our faith in ways that honor those who paved the way. [01:45]

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life has left a legacy of faith for you to follow? How can you honor their influence in your own walk with God today?

Day 3: Confirmation of God's Will

In moments of doubt, God often provides clear signs to confirm His will for our lives. These signs can come in unexpected ways, offering reassurance and guidance. The discovery of a mother's past ministry in a place where one is called to serve is a divine confirmation of being on the right path. It is a reminder to remain open to the ways God might affirm our steps, trusting in His guidance even when we cannot see the full picture. This openness allows us to embrace the journey with confidence, knowing that God is leading us according to His perfect will. [02:38]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you seek God's confirmation in that decision, and what signs did you receive?

Day 4: Grace in Unexpected Places

God's grace often surprises us in the most unexpected ways, revealing His unmerited favor and love. The discovery of a mother's past ministry in a place where one is called to serve is a reminder of the beautiful ways God weaves our stories together. This grace is a testament to His goodness, affirming that He is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Remaining attentive to the ways God reveals His grace in our lives allows us to experience His love in deeper and more meaningful ways. [02:07]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you experienced God's grace unexpectedly. How can you remain open to recognizing His grace in your daily life?

Day 5: Continuing the Mission

We are called to continue the mission of those who have gone before us, carrying forward their legacy of faith and service. Being present in a place where a parent once ministered is a powerful reminder of the ongoing mission to serve and love others. This calling is not just a continuation of past work but an invitation to actively participate in God's unfolding story. Embracing this mission means committing to live out our faith in ways that impact the world around us, knowing that our lives are part of a larger purpose. [01:23]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection: What mission or calling has God placed on your heart? How can you actively participate in continuing this mission today?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of faith, we often seek confirmation of God's will in our lives. Recently, as I prepared to move to Hong Kong, I found myself in a neighborhood where a friend was planting house churches and another was setting up an office to care for the poor. I was in prayer, asking God if this was where He wanted me to be. In the midst of packing, I stumbled upon a folder containing old pictures of my birth mother. She had passed away giving birth to me in San Francisco, but these photos revealed that she had been in Hong Kong, in the very same neighborhood, doing ministry 70 years ago. This discovery was a profound moment of grace and confirmation for me. It was as if God was saying, "You are on the right path." My mother had walked these streets, prayed for this community, and now, decades later, I find myself here, continuing a legacy of faith and service. This experience reminded me of the mysterious and beautiful ways God weaves our stories together, often beyond our understanding. It is a testament to His goodness and grace, affirming that He is always at work, even when we cannot see it.

Key Takeaways

1. God's Timing and Plan: Our lives are intricately woven into God's grand design, often in ways we cannot foresee. My mother's ministry in Hong Kong decades ago and my current calling to the same place is a testament to God's perfect timing and plan. We must trust that He is orchestrating our lives for His purposes, even when the path seems unclear. [02:23]
2. Legacy of Faith: The faith and prayers of those who came before us have a lasting impact. My mother's prayers and ministry in this neighborhood laid a foundation that I am now privileged to build upon. We are part of a larger story, and our faithfulness today can influence generations to come. [01:45]
3. Confirmation of God's Will: Sometimes, God provides clear signs to confirm His will for our lives. Finding the photos of my mother was a divine confirmation that I am where I am supposed to be. We should remain open to the ways God might affirm our steps, trusting His guidance. [02:38]
4. Grace in Unexpected Places: God's grace often surprises us in the most unexpected ways. The discovery of my mother's past ministry was a reminder of His unmerited favor and love. We should remain attentive to the ways God reveals His grace in our lives, often when we least expect it. [02:07]
5. Continuing the Mission: We are called to continue the mission of those who have gone before us, carrying forward their legacy of faith and service. My presence in Hong Kong is a continuation of my mother's ministry, a reminder that our lives are part of a larger mission to serve and love others. [01:23]
** [01:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:29] - Moving to Hong Kong
[00:43] - Seeking God's Will
[00:55] - Discovering the Folder
[01:23] - Mother's Legacy
[01:45] - Ministry 70 Years Ago
[02:07] - God's Mysterious Ways
[02:23] - Confirmation of God's Plan
[02:38] - Sharing the Story

Sermon Clips

so I just have to tell you a story about God's grace man okay so we're getting ready to move to Hong Kong last week Here I am here now but we were gonna move into this neighborhood called a some show people because a friend of mine was planting some house churches here another buddy of mine right down the street at set up an office for me where they're caring for the poor and I'm smoking Lord is this the place is this a place you know cuz I don't know we're just trying to figure out the will of God like where does he want us and so here we are in this neighborhood where a lot of the poor live and anyways last week I'm cleaning up the house packing everything up and I find this folder up on the top of my closet and it has these old pictures of my birth mom [00:16:27]

now my mom gave birth to me and died while she was giving birth to me in San Francisco but these pictures of her were a birth in Hong Kong and she was in the same neighborhood and she was a believer doing ministry right here 70 years ago like like it's dated and initials exact location [01:19:36]

seventy years ago she was here joint ministry right here in this building right behind me that means she walked this neighborhood and prayed the gods and God can I have an impact sure what I have an impact here seventy years ago and I can just see God going okay it's not gonna be the way you think you're gonna go to San Francisco give birth to a son and you're gonna die in the process and he's gonna come back here and so when I saw that it realized where it was it was just confirmation of God's goodness just you didn't have to do these things just His grace gonna know you're on the right direction so I just had to share that story with you guys [01:24:69]

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