Embracing God's Call: From Comfort to Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: God Qualifies the Willing, Not the Already Qualified

When Isaiah encountered the Lord, he was overwhelmed by his own unworthiness, confessing that he was a man of unclean lips. Yet, God purified him and called him to a mission, transforming Isaiah’s “never have I ever” into a bold “here I am, send me.” This shows that God does not wait for us to be perfect or fully prepared; instead, He equips and qualifies those who are willing to respond to His call, no matter their past or perceived limitations. [01:03:46]

Isaiah 6:1-8 (ESV)
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Reflection: What is one area where you feel unqualified or unworthy, and how might God be inviting you to trust Him to equip you for a new step of faith today?

Day 2: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact

Peter and John were ordinary, unschooled fishermen, yet their time with Jesus transformed them into bold leaders who astonished others with their courage and faith. Their story reminds us that Jesus delights in using everyday people to accomplish extraordinary things, and that our willingness to follow Him is more important than our credentials or background. [01:24:37]

Acts 4:13 (ESV)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Reflection: Where do you see yourself as “ordinary,” and how could you let Jesus use your life to make an extraordinary difference in someone else’s world this week?

Day 3: Saying “Yes” to God’s Mission

Throughout history and in our own community, people have moved from “never have I ever” to “here I am, send me” by simply saying yes to God’s prompting—whether it’s packing a shoebox, praying for someone in another country, giving beyond their comfort zone, or stepping into a new role like chaplaincy or missions. God is looking for those who will respond with willingness, and He turns our small acts of obedience into life-changing impact for others. [01:05:56]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection: What is one “never have I ever” step of faith you sense God nudging you toward today, and what would it look like to say “yes” to Him?

Day 4: Generosity and Sacrifice Change Lives

Giving—whether it’s time, finances, or resources—can feel like a stretch, but when we step beyond our comfort zones to invest in others, God multiplies our efforts and uses them to change lives, impact communities, and touch nations. Even a simple act like packing a shoebox or supporting a mission can have ripple effects far beyond what we imagine, as God honors our willingness to give sacrificially. [53:45]

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can give beyond your comfort zone this week—whether in time, resources, or encouragement—to bless someone else?

Day 5: God Sets No Limits—Step Into New Adventures

We often place limits on what we think God can do through us, but He invites us to dream bigger and trust Him for new adventures—whether it’s serving in a new way, going on a mission trip, or simply reaching out to a neighbor. God is not limited by our backgrounds, resources, or past experiences; He is looking for those who will trust Him to lead them into the “never have I ever” moments that become testimonies of His faithfulness. [01:26:50]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: What is one area where you have set limits on what God can do through you, and how can you open your heart to His greater possibilities today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was all about stepping into new territory with God—those “never have I ever” moments that challenge our comfort zones and open us up to His calling. We began by inviting everyone, including the children, to consider something as simple as packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. Many may have thought, “Never have I ever packed a shoebox,” but with a little demonstration and encouragement, it became clear that even small acts can have a big impact on someone’s life across the world.

We reflected on the story of Isaiah, who, when confronted with God’s presence, felt unworthy and unqualified. Yet, after being purified, he responded to God’s call with, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” This is a powerful reminder that God doesn’t wait for us to be perfect or fully prepared—He qualifies those He calls. Our limitations are often self-imposed, but God’s grace and purpose can take us far beyond what we imagine.

Throughout the morning, we heard testimonies from people in our own community who once said, “Never have I ever,” only to find themselves serving as school chaplains, going on mission trips, or even moving to the mountains of India to serve with Youth With A Mission. These stories show that God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Whether it’s giving beyond our comfort zone, praying for someone in another country, or sharing our faith with a neighbor, each step of obedience is significant.

We also highlighted the ongoing need for chaplains in our local schools and the opportunity to support them both financially and through prayer. The same goes for our mission partners in India and the Philippines—our support, whether through giving, going, or praying, is part of God’s work in changing lives, impacting communities, and touching nations.

As we closed, everyone was invited to consider their own “never have I ever” moment. What is God prompting you to do that you’ve never done before? The invitation is to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me,” trusting that He will equip and lead you into new adventures of faith and service.

Key Takeaways

1. God Transforms Our “Never Have I Ever” Into “Here I Am, Send Me”: Like Isaiah, we may feel unworthy or unqualified for God’s calling, but it is God who purifies and equips us. Our willingness to respond, even in uncertainty, opens the door for God to use us in ways we never imagined. The journey begins with a simple “yes” to God’s invitation. [63:46]
2. Small Acts of Obedience Have Global Impact: Packing a shoebox or praying for someone in another country may seem insignificant, but these acts can change lives and open hearts to God’s love. When we step out in faith, even in small ways, God multiplies our efforts for His kingdom. Never underestimate the ripple effect of your obedience. [52:45]
3. God Doesn’t Call the Qualified—He Qualifies the Called: The stories of Peter, John, and many in our own community remind us that God chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Our backgrounds, skills, or lack thereof do not limit God’s ability to use us. What matters is our availability and trust in His power to equip us for the task. [86:06]
4. Breaking Through Self-Imposed Limits: Often, it is we who set boundaries on what God can do through us. Whether it’s serving as a chaplain, going on a mission trip, or giving sacrificially, God invites us to break through these limits and step into new adventures. When we surrender our “never have I ever” to Him, He leads us into greater purpose and joy. [84:37]
5. The Power of Community in Mission: Supporting missions—locally and globally—requires the collective effort of prayer, giving, and going. As a church, we are called to invest in people, encourage one another, and uphold those who step out in faith. Together, we can impact communities and nations, trusting God to provide and guide every step. [103:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[52:45] - Never Have I Ever: Packing a Shoebox
[53:45] - Shoebox Demonstration and Mission Reflection
[61:51] - Kids Released and Transition
[63:46] - Isaiah’s Encounter: From Unworthy to Sent
[65:56] - Expanding Our “Never Have I Ever” List
[69:00] - Chaplaincy: Audrey’s Story
[73:30] - Supporting Chaplains and Local Mission
[78:00] - Melinda’s Mission in India
[83:10] - Partnering with the Chetri Family
[84:37] - Breaking Limits: God’s Call Beyond Our Comfort
[86:06] - Peter and John: Ordinary to Extraordinary
[86:50] - Philippines Mission Overview
[100:26] - Call to Action: What’s Your “Never Have I Ever”?
[103:21] - Offering and Prayer for Missions
[115:24] - Closing and Next Steps

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Isaiah 6:1-8 (ESV) — > In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Acts 4:13 (ESV) — > Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Observation Questions

In Isaiah 6, what was Isaiah’s initial reaction to being in God’s presence, and what changed for him after the seraphim touched his lips?
According to Acts 4:13, what surprised the people about Peter and John, and what did they notice about them?
The sermon shared stories of people in our community who once said, “Never have I ever,” but then stepped out in faith. What are some specific examples mentioned? [[01:05:56]]
What are some of the “never have I ever” moments the pastor encouraged the church to consider? [[01:05:56]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Isaiah felt unworthy and unqualified when he encountered God? What does this reveal about how we often see ourselves in relation to God’s calling? [[01:03:46]]
The people were amazed at Peter and John’s boldness, even though they were “ordinary men.” What does this suggest about who God chooses to use for His purposes? [[01:26:06]]
The sermon said, “God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.” How does this truth challenge the way we think about our own abilities and limitations? [[01:26:06]]
The pastor mentioned that we often set our own limits on what God can do through us. Why do you think we do this, and what might help us break through those self-imposed boundaries? [[01:24:37]]

Application Questions

The sermon invited everyone to consider their own “never have I ever” moment. What is something you feel God might be prompting you to do that you’ve never done before? What’s holding you back? [[01:40:26]]
Isaiah responded to God’s call with, “Here I am, send me.” Is there an area in your life where you need to say “yes” to God, even if you feel unqualified or unsure? What would it look like to take the first step? [[01:03:46]]
The pastor shared that small acts, like packing a shoebox or praying for someone in another country, can have a big impact. What is one small act of obedience you could do this week that might make a difference for someone else? [[52:45]]
Have you ever felt like you weren’t “qualified” to serve or help in a certain way? How might God be inviting you to trust Him to equip you, rather than waiting until you feel ready? [[01:26:06]]
The sermon highlighted the importance of supporting missions and chaplaincy through giving, going, or praying. Which of these could you take a step in this month, and what would that look like for you? [[01:43:21]]
Think about a time when you broke through a self-imposed limit and tried something new for God. What happened, and how did it change you? If you haven’t had that experience, what’s one area you’d like to trust God with? [[01:24:37]]
The power of community was emphasized—how can our group encourage and support each other as we step into new territory with God? What practical steps can we take together? [[01:43:21]]

Sermon Clips

But what happens from that little moment, the seraphim flies and grabs a coal from a fire and comes and places upon his lips and then purifies him and what his obstacles and the reasonings that he had in the midst of the conversation and the thoughts that he had of uncleanly, unclean, unworthy. And it comes and places a coal upon his lips to purify him. And then there's another conversation that happens between the Lord and himself. And God is looking for people. The conversation has the essence of, I have a task and I'm looking for people to complete this task. And his response is, here I am, Lord, send me. [01:04:56] (52 seconds) #PurifiedForPurpose

Now, I'm sure that I could summarise that to say, he was going, never have I ever. There was a never have I ever there, wasn't there? But God qualified him. So God makes the difference. It's the Lord that makes the difference and qualifies each and every person for the task that is at hand. And then his never have I ever turned into, here I am, Lord, send me. [01:05:48] (29 seconds) #GodQualifiesUs

You know, there's a never have I ever. What's your never have I ever today? Never have I ever given beyond my comfort zone. We're gonna have an opportunity today to actually sow and give financially into the next mission that we're going to touch on here, our local mission. Never have I ever shared my testimony with a co-worker or a neighbor. Never have I ever built a Operation Christmas Child box. Well, we just debunked that myth. Never have I ever joined a short-term mission trip. You know, today could be your never have I ever dismiss of that one. Never have I ever considered being a chaplain in a school. [01:06:48] (46 seconds) #StepBeyondComfort

Never have I ever. I mean, Melinda was born in Springshore, I'm pretty sure, same place I was, and raised as a little country girl in little downtown Ralston. We drove through it just the other day, actually. It's still a little school where I went to school. There's still the pub on the corner that once burnt down and got rebuilt. And there's still the servo and a few stock and station outlets where we can buy some horse feed and a bit of steel. And a few houses that people live in. But where is she now? Wow. Never had I ever thought my little cousin Melinda would end up living in Darjeeling. I mean, what, I love that never have I ever won. That's, it's, it's something different, isn't it? Can we, and who puts the, who puts the limits? We put the limits. God doesn't put the limits. Not at all. Not at all. In the words of Isaiah, here I am, Lord, send me. [01:24:13] (71 seconds) #NoLimitsWithGod

Who were they? Who was, who was Peter and John? They were fishermen. And fishermen was typical of that they were unschooled, ordinary men. But Jesus came along and visits them, doesn't he, what? And he says, hey, I've chosen you to come and follow me. And he makes them disciples, schools them in the journey. They learn how to be fishers of men. And then in his absence, they are launched to become significant people in the early church days. Never had I ever thought I'd do anything more than fish. But look at what they did. Jesus is the difference, isn't he? [01:25:53] (53 seconds) #OrdinaryToExtraordinary

Jesus is the difference in your life. And he has the capacity to take your word, here I am, Lord, send me, as Isaiah did, that to do awesome and wonderful things. [01:26:46] (15 seconds) #JesusMakesTheDifference

So as much as this is a report, let it also be a call to action for each and every one of us. Say never have I ever thought I could bake some goods for Christmas and hand out to my neighbors. Never have I ever, what is your never have I ever that the spirit of the Lord is just dropping into you today? [01:40:58] (24 seconds) #CallToAction

Show us each, Lord, our never have I evers that you want to lead us into in the days and months ahead, Lord, and I pray, Father, Lord, you'd give each one the courage to say yes, yes, Lord, here I am, send me. [01:52:04] (21 seconds) #LeadMeLord

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?