Embracing Faith: Saying Yes to God's Call

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Promises Amidst Uncertainty

Mary's story is a profound example of unwavering faith in the face of uncertainty. When the angel Gabriel announced that she would bear the Messiah, Mary responded with humility and obedience, saying, "I am the Lord's servant." Despite the fear and societal judgment she faced, Mary trusted in God's promises and His plan for her life. Her faith journey teaches us to rely on God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem daunting or beyond our understanding. In our own lives, we are called to emulate Mary's trust, believing that God is in control and working for our good, no matter the challenges we encounter. [41:40]

Luke 1:38 (ESV): "And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's promises? How can you take a step of faith today to surrender that area to Him?

Day 2: Recognizing God's Presence in Life's Trials

Life is filled with unexpected challenges, and it is during these times that we are reminded of God's constant presence. A personal story of a family car accident illustrates how God is with us in every circumstance, providing comfort and strength. Billy Graham's quote emphasizes that strong faith develops as we accept what God allows into our lives, trusting that He is in control. In moments of trial, we are encouraged to lean on God's sovereignty, knowing that He is working for our good and His glory. This perspective helps us navigate life's difficulties with hope and resilience. [37:05]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: Think of a recent trial you faced. How did you experience God's presence during that time, and how can you remind yourself of His presence in future challenges?

Day 3: Embracing the Power of Saying Yes to God

Mary's "yes" to God set her on a remarkable journey of faith, from societal judgment to witnessing the fulfillment of God's salvation plan. Her willingness to embrace God's call, despite the uncertainties, serves as an inspiration for us to say "yes" to God's invitations in our own lives. By trusting in His plan and being open to His leading, we become active participants in His kingdom work. Mary's story encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that our obedience can lead to transformative experiences and a deeper relationship with God. [42:35]

2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."

Reflection: What is one area where you feel God is calling you to say "yes"? What steps can you take today to respond to His call with faith and courage?

Day 4: Relying on the Holy Spirit for Strength

We are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, relying on His power to overcome fear and worry. Just as a balloon needs refilling, we must continually seek the Spirit's presence to strengthen our faith and guide us in our daily walk with God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to face life's challenges with confidence, providing the wisdom and courage we need to navigate our journey. By cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, we can experience His transformative power in our lives, enabling us to live out our faith with boldness and joy. [59:00]

Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek the Holy Spirit's presence in your life today? What practices can you incorporate to ensure you are continually filled with His power and guidance?

Day 5: Sharing the Good News with the World

This Advent season, we are reminded of our call to share the good news of Jesus with the world. Like Joyce Smith, who prepared to help a family in need, we are called to be ready to serve and expand God's kingdom. By trusting in His promises and relying on His strength, we can be effective witnesses of His love and grace. Sharing the gospel is not just a duty but a privilege, as we participate in God's redemptive work and bring hope to those around us. Let us embrace this calling with enthusiasm and commitment, knowing that our efforts can have an eternal impact. [01:01:48]

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that needs to hear the good news of Jesus? How can you intentionally share His love and message with them this week?

Sermon Summary

Summary:

In this season of Advent, we are reminded of the power of saying "yes" to God, as exemplified by Mary in the Christmas story. As we transition in our church's children's ministry, we are grateful for Heather Jeffries stepping in as interim director, and we pray for guidance and blessings in this new chapter. Reflecting on Mary's story, we see her unwavering faith and trust in God's promises, despite the fear and uncertainty she faced. The angel Gabriel's message to Mary was profound, announcing that she would bear the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God. Mary's response, "I am the Lord's servant," exemplifies her obedience and commitment to God's plan.

Life is unpredictable, filled with both expected and unexpected challenges, as illustrated by a personal story of a family car accident. In such times, we are called to be disciples, trusting in God's sovereignty and presence in our lives. Billy Graham's quote reminds us that strong faith grows as we accept what God allows into our lives. Mary's faith journey teaches us to trust in God's plan, even when it defies human understanding. Her faith led her through societal judgment, the journey to Bethlehem, and ultimately to the foot of the cross, witnessing God's plan of salvation unfold.

As we navigate our own lives, we are encouraged to have faith like Mary, trusting in God's word and relying on the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that God is with us in our fears and worries, strengthening and guiding us. This Advent season, let us strive to say "yes" to God, embracing His call to share the good news and expand His kingdom. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit, trusting in God's promises and being obedient to His word.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith in Uncertainty: Mary's story teaches us to trust in God's promises, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. Her response to the angel, "I am the Lord's servant," exemplifies obedience and commitment to God's plan, reminding us to trust in God's sovereignty in our own lives. [41:40]
2. God's Presence in Trials: Life's unexpected challenges, like a family car accident, remind us that God is present in all circumstances. Billy Graham's quote emphasizes that strong faith grows as we accept what God allows into our lives, trusting that He is in control and working for our good. [37:05]
3. The Power of Saying Yes: Mary's "yes" to God led her on a journey of faith, from societal judgment to witnessing the fulfillment of God's salvation plan. Her story encourages us to say "yes" to God's call, trusting in His plan and being part of His kingdom work. [42:35]
4. Relying on the Holy Spirit: We are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, relying on His power to overcome fear and worry. Like a balloon that needs refilling, we must continually seek the Spirit's presence to strengthen our faith and guide us in our daily walk with God. [59:00]
5. Sharing the Good News: This Advent season, we are reminded of our call to share the good news of Jesus with the world. Like Joyce Smith, who prepared to help a family in need, we are called to be ready to serve and expand God's kingdom, trusting in His promises and relying on His strength. [01:01:48]
** [61:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:41] - Transition in Children's Ministry
[30:15] - Mary's Encounter with the Angel
[31:31] - Prayer for Forgiveness and Strength
[32:17] - Personal Story of Family Car Accident
[37:05] - Billy Graham's Quote on Faith
[38:53] - Mary's Faith and Trust
[40:07] - The Announcement of the Messiah
[41:40] - Mary's Response to God's Call
[42:35] - The Journey of Faith
[43:40] - Societal Judgment and Support
[44:46] - Faith Through Jesus' Life
[46:49] - Childlike Faith and Trust
[48:33] - The True Meaning of Christmas
[50:02] - Dealing with Fear and Worry
[59:00] - Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
[61:48] - Story of Joyce Smith's Faith
[63:45] - Call to Share the Good News
[65:28] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Sermon Clips

"I am the Lord's servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this great day that you've created for us to gather together to sing songs of praise, for us to lift up our prayers." [00:30:35] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Billy Graham, we went with our adult ministry to the Billy Graham Library this week. He has a quote. He said that Christians who are strong in faith grow as they accept whatever God allows to enter their lives. Now I want you to read that quote again." [00:37:14] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Christians who are strong in their faith grow as they accept whatever God allows to enter into their lives. Friends, everything we encounter, God is in the midst of all of it. God is in control of our world. He has ordained many things to take place. He's created. He's formed. He's shaped." [00:37:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Mary's response is our message for today. She said, I am your servant. She said, may it be. Be to me as you have said. May it come to fulfillment. Mary gave immediate trust in God's promises. You're going to have a child. And she trusted that, that God, the angel was standing there. God was speaking to her." [00:41:40] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Faith and trust for Mary led her to stand at the foot of the cross. The disciples had abandoned Jesus, but yet Mary, Mary was there standing at the foot of the cross watching God's plan of salvation that started back with the passage that we read today come to fruition as God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." [00:46:18] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Jesus later in his teachings would say that you can't come into the kingdom unless you approach it like a child, to have childlike faith, faith that when it's spoken, when a child tells a parent something, the child believes it until they get older and then they learn and then they have the battles going on, or the discussions that go on, right?" [00:47:35] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"How can we have faith and trust in God's Word as we talked about last week? Listening to God's Word. Putting it into practice in our life. Not going to the left or the right of it, but staying the course in this journey of life and faith." [00:49:55] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"May we trust and have faith and lean on God's Word and lean on the power of His Spirit to carry that trust and faith in anything we experience. Going back to Billy Graham's quote, in whatever comes our way, praise be to God." [00:59:09] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Joyce came and picked up that family and took them home and gave them Christmas that year until they could go to a relative's house the next day. Joyce answered God's call, prepared the way for that family to come, and friends, that's what we're called to do. God calls us to follow Him. God calls us to do unto the least of these. God calls us to go out and to reach those who are lost, who don't know about the good news of Jesus." [01:02:49] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"God calls you and me to go out into the world and help expand His kingdom, to help share the good news. This Advent and Christmas season, the question is, where will we do it? Do we have faith? Do we have faith and trust in all of God's promises?" [01:03:32] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Do we have faith and trust that He is with us, that whatever we're facing, we'll get through? Do we have faith and trust that there's nothing we can say to anybody, nothing we can do to anybody that will offend because it's not offensive? It's His Word. It's His good news." [01:04:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"stations but lord help us have faith like mary help us to trust you wholeheartedly to be obedient to your word and rely on your power through the spirit lord strengthen us to be your disciples in jesus name we pray amen the prayers will come forward and if you'll stand to sing and anybody that feels led we would love to come and" [01:05:28] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?