Embracing Donkey Missions: Surrendering for Spiritual Growth
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today, we delved into the concept of "Donkey Missions," which are the day-to-day experiences designed to mature us in Christ. These missions are about inviting God into our daily lives and allowing Him to guide us through our challenges. We explored this through the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 9, where Saul's father sends him on a mission to find lost donkeys. This seemingly mundane task was actually a journey of growth and preparation for Saul's future role as king.
We also heard a powerful testimony from Odra, a member of our church, who experienced profound freedom by surrendering past hurts to God. Her story illustrates how unresolved issues from our past can hinder our spiritual growth and how surrendering them to God can lead to complete freedom and fulfillment. Odra's journey is a modern-day "donkey mission," showing us that God uses these experiences to mature us and bring us closer to His will.
We discussed the importance of dealing with our past to move forward. Sometimes, God takes us back to our past to address unresolved issues, much like Saul had to pass through the land of the Benjamites. This process is crucial for our spiritual growth and freedom. We also touched on the dangers of trying to outsmart the enemy on our own, emphasizing that true victory comes from surrendering to God and allowing Him to guide us.
We concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to surrender their past hurts and pains to God. By doing so, we can walk in the freedom and joy that God has for us. We prayed for those who are struggling and invited anyone who hasn't accepted Jesus into their hearts to do so.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Donkey Missions: Donkey missions are the everyday tasks and challenges that God uses to mature us in Christ. These missions may seem mundane, but they are designed to prepare us for greater things. By inviting God into these experiences, we allow Him to shape and guide us. [23:49]
2. The Importance of Surrender: Unresolved issues from our past can hinder our spiritual growth. Surrendering these issues to God is crucial for experiencing true freedom. Odra's testimony shows that complete surrender leads to profound spiritual breakthroughs and fulfillment. [31:40]
3. Dealing with the Past: Sometimes, God takes us back to our past to address unresolved issues. This process is necessary for moving forward in our spiritual journey. By dealing with our past, we can break free from the things that hold us back and walk into the future God has for us. [28:40]
4. Overcoming the Enemy: We cannot outsmart the enemy on our own. True victory comes from surrendering to God and allowing Him to guide us. By relying on God's strength and wisdom, we can overcome the challenges and temptations we face. [37:47]
5. The Power of Community: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers is essential for spiritual growth and encouragement. Being part of a community helps us stay strong in our faith and provides support when we face challenges. Engaging in church activities and prayer meetings can significantly impact our spiritual journey. [46:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:56] - Celebrating God
[22:44] - Men's Gathering Announcement
[23:12] - Introduction to Donkey Missions
[23:49] - What is a Donkey Mission?
[24:27] - Testimony of Mary and Pass the Plate Ministry
[25:36] - Saul's Donkey Mission
[27:07] - The Purpose of Donkey Missions
[28:40] - Dealing with the Past
[30:17] - Testimony of Odra
[31:40] - The Power of Surrender
[33:11] - Speaking in Tongues
[37:47] - Overcoming the Enemy
[39:25] - Fear and Anxiety
[42:50] - Bad Marriages
[44:30] - The Importance of Surrender
[46:06] - The Power of Community
[49:04] - The Impact of Surrender
[50:06] - Revisiting the Past
[52:17] - The Power of Testimony
[55:28] - Identifying Strongholds
[57:10] - The Importance of Confession
[58:29] - The Value of Freedom
[01:00:09] - God's Persistent Love
[01:01:49] - Call to Surrender
[01:03:16] - Prayer for Freedom
[01:05:58] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:07:51] - Celebrating Freedom
[01:08:41] - Odra's Written Testimony
[01:10:20] - Worship Time
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 9:3-4: "Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. Kish said to his son, Saul, 'Please take one of the servants with you and arise, go and look for the donkeys.' So he passed through the mountains of Ephraim and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shalim, and they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them."
2. 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
3. Hebrews 12:1: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
### Observation Questions
1. What task did Saul's father give him in 1 Samuel 9:3-4, and what was the significance of this task? [27:07]
2. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what has God given us instead of a spirit of fear?
3. In Hebrews 12:1, what are believers encouraged to do with the things that hinder and the sin that entangles them?
4. How did Odra's testimony illustrate the concept of a "donkey mission"? [31:40]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God use seemingly mundane tasks, like Saul's mission to find the donkeys, to prepare us for greater purposes? [23:49]
2. How does surrendering past hurts and unresolved issues to God lead to spiritual freedom, as seen in Odra's testimony? [31:40]
3. What does it mean to "throw off everything that hinders" in the context of Hebrews 12:1, and how can this be applied to our spiritual journey?
4. How can the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind from 2 Timothy 1:7 help us overcome fear and anxiety in our lives? [39:25]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a "donkey mission" in your own life. How has God used a seemingly mundane task to mature you in Christ? [23:49]
2. Are there any unresolved issues from your past that you need to surrender to God? What steps can you take this week to begin that process? [28:40]
3. How can you practically apply the principle of throwing off everything that hinders you, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:1, in your daily life?
4. In what ways can you rely more on God's spirit of power, love, and a sound mind to overcome fear and anxiety? [39:25]
5. How can you support others in your community who are going through their own "donkey missions"? What specific actions can you take to encourage them? [46:06]
6. Think about a time when you tried to outsmart the enemy on your own. How did that experience differ from when you surrendered the situation to God? [37:47]
7. How can you cultivate a desire for the things of the Lord in your life, similar to Odra's desire to speak in tongues? What specific prayers or actions can you take? [31:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Everyday Challenges
Description: Donkey missions are the everyday tasks and challenges that God uses to mature us in Christ. These missions may seem mundane, but they are designed to prepare us for greater things. By inviting God into these experiences, we allow Him to shape and guide us. Saul's journey to find his father's lost donkeys in 1 Samuel 9 seemed like a simple errand, but it was a significant step in his preparation to become king. Similarly, our daily challenges are opportunities for growth and preparation for the roles God has for us. [23:49]
1 Samuel 9:3-4 (ESV): "Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul, his son, 'Take one of the young men with you and arise, go and look for the donkeys.' And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin but did not find them."
Reflection: Think of a mundane task or challenge you are facing today. How can you invite God into this experience and allow Him to guide and shape you through it?
Day 2: The Power of Surrender
Description: Unresolved issues from our past can hinder our spiritual growth. Surrendering these issues to God is crucial for experiencing true freedom. Odra's testimony shows that complete surrender leads to profound spiritual breakthroughs and fulfillment. By letting go of past hurts and pains, we open ourselves to the healing and freedom that God offers. This act of surrender is not a one-time event but a continuous process of trusting God with our deepest wounds and allowing Him to bring healing and restoration. [31:40]
Psalm 147:3 (ESV): "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Reflection: Identify a past hurt or unresolved issue that you have been holding onto. What steps can you take today to surrender this to God and allow Him to bring healing and freedom into your life?
Day 3: Revisiting the Past for Growth
Description: Sometimes, God takes us back to our past to address unresolved issues. This process is necessary for moving forward in our spiritual journey. By dealing with our past, we can break free from the things that hold us back and walk into the future God has for us. Saul had to pass through the land of the Benjamites, his own people, as part of his journey. Similarly, we may need to revisit certain areas of our past to find healing and closure. This can be a challenging process, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and freedom. [28:40]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific area of your past that you feel God is calling you to revisit. How can addressing this area help you move forward in your spiritual journey?
Day 4: Relying on God's Strength
Description: We cannot outsmart the enemy on our own. True victory comes from surrendering to God and allowing Him to guide us. By relying on God's strength and wisdom, we can overcome the challenges and temptations we face. It is through God's power that we find the strength to resist the enemy and walk in victory. This requires a daily commitment to seek God's guidance and to trust in His plan for our lives. [37:47]
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Reflection: Identify a specific challenge or temptation you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's strength and wisdom to overcome it?
Day 5: The Importance of Community
Description: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers is essential for spiritual growth and encouragement. Being part of a community helps us stay strong in our faith and provides support when we face challenges. Engaging in church activities and prayer meetings can significantly impact our spiritual journey. The power of community lies in the mutual support, accountability, and encouragement that we receive from one another. It is through these relationships that we can grow stronger in our faith and walk together in our spiritual journeys. [46:06]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Think about your current involvement in your church community. What steps can you take to deepen your relationships with fellow believers and engage more fully in the life of your church?
Quotes
1. "What is a donkey mission? I want to make sure you understand what is this donkey mission I keep talking about. And it's really very simple. It's your day-to-day experiences that you're walking through that are designed to mature you in Christ. That you invite the Lord into. Amen? Lord, come and be in this and help me understand how to walk this thing out, whatever this is. Amen?" [23:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes God has to take us back to the past in order for us to move to the future. Sometimes we have to go deal with something that we haven't dealt with to move forward. I want your hearts here because there's going to be freedom in the room today. If you're willing, it's going to come." [28:40] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Your fear and anxiety is a result of the lack of your belief and the struggle of your faith. Think about what I'm telling you. If you have fear and anxiety, you're allowing that to be over God. I'm not saying that that stuff is... I talk with everybody in this church, people, all kinds of people. I know that's a real struggle, but finding the answer to surrender it to the Lord is what sets you free. Not you managing it." [39:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You cannot outsmart the enemy. The Bible says you can overcome him. When you're trying to outsmart the enemy, that means you're trying to do it in your flesh on your own and not asking God to come in and help show you how to overcome it. And we need to get rid of that stuff and trying to figure out how we can handle and manage sin in our lives and still be a productive Christian." [37:47] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your degree of willingness to surrender the things from your past will be the same degree of freedom that you will receive. If you want to give away three out of five, you're going to get freedom three out of five. Because these other two are going to keep pulling you back and distracting you from what God wants you to walk in church. Make sure this is clear. You understand what I just said. All freedom is available to you. All of it. By way of our Savior, Jesus Christ." [58:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And God wants you and I, listen to me, this is important, He wants you and I to revisit the past only to surrender the things that we haven't let go of. Don't go live in it. Don't go hang out in it. Lord, search me. Write the Scripture that says, search me, O Lord, and show my wicked ways so I can get rid of them and give them to you. I don't want them to be part of my life anymore." [52:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And if you're hungry and you want it, you'll press on to receive the prize. And to get what God has for you. Amen. Your degree of willingness to surrender the things from your past will be the same degree of freedom that you will receive. If you want to give away three out of five, you're going to get freedom three out of five. Because these other two are going to keep pulling you back and distracting you from what God wants you to walk in church." [58:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And God wants you today to revisit your past, identify your strongholds, that you haven't gotten rid of, and don't tear them down. Give them to God and he will break every one of them down for you. He'll break them down. He'll shatter them, just like Odra did. She had no idea that God wanted her to surrender that as well. But when the Lord revealed it to her because she was pressing in and searching, God, what am I missing? Get rid of this." [55:28] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And the very things that we don't deal with or surrender to the Lord might be the very things that are blocking you from walking into your future. Man, it was so good because I knew I was preaching today and I'm listening to our worship team and our prayer team. And they're talking about all of these things I'm sharing with you right now. And I hadn't told them a single word. And I knew that this is the Holy Spirit at work here. Amen." [36:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And what's going to happen when you do that is the flow of lies and the flow of fear and all the things that were hindering you, they will slowly start to come to a complete and full stop. And you won't be in that place of fear and anxiety anymore. And I know there's somebody in this room right now that is in fear and anxiety. I know it. I know that's why I'm preaching this message. And you're going to convince me that there's no way you can get out of it. That's what you're going to try to do. And I'm going to tell you over and over again, you're not letting God take it." [57:10] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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