Embracing Availability: Responding to God's Call

Availability to God is the heart posture that unlocks His movement in our lives and in the world around us. When we say, “Here I am, Lord, I am available,” we are not just offering our time or talents, but our very selves—our willingness to be used by God, even when we feel inadequate or uncertain. God delights in using ordinary people, people who may not have it all together, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The story of Samuel and Eli in 1 Samuel 3 reminds us that God is always calling, but often we need someone to help us recognize His voice and respond in faith.

Samuel was a young boy serving in the temple, unfamiliar with the voice of God, yet God called him persistently. It was Eli, despite his own shortcomings, who recognized that God was speaking and guided Samuel in how to respond. This is a powerful reminder that God not only calls the Samuels—those who are new or unsure—but also the Elis—those who are called to guide, encourage, and help others discern God’s voice. Sometimes, God’s call comes in the quiet, in the moments when distractions fade, and we are finally able to listen. But even then, we need the humility to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

God’s call is not just for our own benefit; it is a commission to reach others. The Great Commission is not a suggestion but a mandate for every believer. We are called to step up, to recognize that the moments and people God places in our lives are too important to let pass by. Even if we feel weak, awkward, or unqualified, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Our responsibility is to respond, to be available, and to trust that God will use our obedience to reveal Himself to others.

There are people in our circles—friends, family, coworkers—who are waiting for someone to help them recognize God’s call. If we do not step up, who will? God has strategically placed each of us where we are, with a unique word and witness that only we can share. Our “yes” to God, even if it feels small or uncomfortable, can be the difference of eternity for someone else. Let us not let fear, awkwardness, or a sense of inadequacy keep us from fulfilling the mission God has given us. Instead, let us stand and say, “Here I am, Lord. I am available.”

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Availability is a Posture, Not a Skillset God is not looking for perfect people, but for those who are willing to say “yes” to Him. Our availability is more important than our ability; God’s power is revealed most clearly when we offer Him our weakness and trust Him to work through us. When we surrender our lives, God can do far more than we imagine, multiplying our small acts of obedience for His glory. [31:23]
• 2. Recognizing God’s Voice Requires Stillness and Guidance God often speaks in the quiet moments, away from the noise and distractions of daily life. Like Samuel, we may not always recognize His voice at first, but God is persistent in calling us. Sometimes, we need an “Eli” in our lives—someone who helps us discern and respond to God’s call, and we are also called to be that guide for others. [47:34]
• 3. The Great Commission is a Mandate, Not a Suggestion Jesus’ command to make disciples is not optional; it is a responsibility for every believer. We cannot wait for someone else to step up or assume that others will reach the people God has placed in our lives. The moments and opportunities God gives us are too important to let pass by, and our obedience can have eternal significance. [52:34]
• 4. God Uses Imperfect People to Accomplish His Mission Eli was not a perfect man, yet God chose him to guide Samuel. Our past failures or current inadequacies do not disqualify us from being used by God. In fact, God often chooses those who feel unqualified so that His strength and glory are made evident through their obedience. [62:36]
• 5. Obedience in the Awkward Moments Can Change Eternity Sharing the gospel or stepping out in faith may feel uncomfortable or awkward, but embracing those moments can be the difference between life and death for someone else. If we show up and do our part, God will show out and do His. Our willingness to respond, even in weakness, is what God uses to reveal Himself to the world. [65:45]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [29:20] - Worship: “I Am Available”
• [33:30] - Gratitude and Opening Prayer
• [36:17] - Announcements and Offering
• [38:14] - Honoring Faithful Service
• [39:39] - Kids Ministry Testimonies
• [43:18] - Experiencing God’s Presence as a Child
• [43:54] - Introduction to Samuel’s Story
• [45:45] - Eli’s Role in Samuel’s Calling
• [47:34] - Hearing God in the Quiet
• [49:28] - The Need for Spiritual Guides
• [51:21] - Responding to God’s Call
• [52:34] - The Great Commission: Our Mandate
• [55:42] - “Jesus Paid It All” Story
• [56:58] - We Belong to God
• [58:46] - Stepping Up Like Eli
• [59:59] - God Chooses You
• [63:12] - God’s Strength in Our Weakness
• [65:45] - Embracing the Awkward for the Gospel
• [67:29] - Responding: “Here I Am, Lord”
• [68:56] - Prophetic Exhortation and Final Response

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (ESV) — Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

Observation Questions

1. In the story of Samuel and Eli, what was Samuel’s initial response when he heard someone calling his name? How did he react each time? ([45:06])
2. What role did Eli play in helping Samuel recognize God’s voice? What did Eli tell Samuel to do? ([46:23])
3. According to the sermon, why might God have chosen to call Samuel at night rather than during the day? ([47:34])
4. What does the passage say about Samuel’s knowledge of the Lord before this encounter? ([45:45])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it significant that God chose to speak to Samuel, a young boy, instead of someone older or more experienced? What does this say about who God uses? ([46:59])
2. The sermon mentions that sometimes we need an “Eli” in our lives to help us recognize God’s voice. What qualities made Eli able to help Samuel, even though Eli had his own shortcomings? ([45:45])
3. The pastor said that God’s call is not just for our benefit, but a commission to reach others. How does Samuel’s story illustrate this idea? ([51:21])
4. The sermon points out that God often uses imperfect people to accomplish His mission. How does Eli’s story encourage us when we feel unqualified? ([01:02:36])

Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that “availability is a posture, not a skillset.” In what areas of your life do you feel unqualified or inadequate, and how might God want to use you anyway? ([01:03:12])
2. Think about your daily routine. When are you most distracted, and when are you most able to be still and listen for God’s voice? What is one practical step you can take this week to create more space for quiet and listening? ([47:34])
3. Is there someone in your life who might need help recognizing God’s call, like Samuel needed Eli? What could you do to encourage or guide them this week? ([50:06])
4. The Great Commission is described as a mandate, not a suggestion. Who in your circle—family, friends, coworkers—might God be calling you to reach out to? What is one specific way you can take a step toward that this week? ([52:34])
5. The pastor shared a story about reaching out to a friend after feeling prompted by God. Have you ever felt a nudge to reach out to someone but hesitated? What held you back, and what could you do differently next time? ([01:01:16])
6. The sermon said, “If you show up, God will show out.” What is one “awkward” or uncomfortable step of obedience you sense God might be asking you to take? How can the group support you in this? ([01:05:45])
7. The message ended with a call to say, “Here I am, Lord. I am available.” What would it look like for you to pray this prayer sincerely this week? Is there a specific area where you need to surrender your availability to God? ([01:10:18])