Embracing God's Call: Journeys of Faith and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: God Calls Us to Step Out in Faith

Throughout history, God has called people to leave behind the familiar and embark on journeys into the unknown, just as Abraham was called to leave Ur and travel to a new land. These quests are not just about physical movement, but about spiritual openness—being willing to trust God, take risks, and allow ourselves to be changed by new experiences. When we step out in faith, we become vulnerable, and it is in that vulnerability that God often teaches us, shapes us, and reveals new aspects of His character and purpose for our lives. [01:11]

Genesis 12:1-4 (ESV)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where God might be inviting you to step out in faith, even if it feels risky or unfamiliar?

Day 2: God Meets Us in New Experiences

When we travel or step into new situations, we encounter different people, places, and cultures, and in those moments, God often meets us in unexpected ways. Just as the Israelites learned to let go of old habits and encountered God anew in the wilderness, we too can discover God’s presence and guidance when we are open to learning and seeing with fresh eyes. These experiences can deepen our relationship with God and help us grow in understanding, compassion, and faith. [02:36]

Exodus 16:1-4 (ESV)
They set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the people of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had departed from the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”

Reflection: Think of a recent new experience or place—how did you sense God’s presence or guidance in that moment, and what did you learn?

Day 3: Seeing God in Creation and Others

Travel and new experiences can open our eyes to the beauty and diversity of God’s creation, as well as the image of God reflected in people from different backgrounds and cultures. Whether it’s marveling at the unique formation of mountains or connecting with someone whose life is very different from our own, these moments remind us that God is present everywhere and in everyone. By being attentive and open, we can encounter God in both the grandeur of nature and the everyday interactions with others. [06:25]

Psalm 19:1-4 (ESV)
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun.

Reflection: Where have you recently seen God’s handiwork in creation or in another person, and how did it affect your sense of wonder or gratitude?

Day 4: God Is Already at Work Wherever We Go

When we go on mission or serve in new places, it’s important to remember that we are not the saviors—God is already at work in every community and situation. Our role is to join in, to listen, to learn, and to serve alongside others with humility and openness. By recognizing that God’s Spirit is moving ahead of us, we can approach every quest with respect, partnership, and a willingness to be changed ourselves. [16:02]

1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (ESV)
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

Reflection: As you serve or interact with others this week, how can you intentionally look for ways that God is already at work and join in with humility?

Day 5: Openness to God’s New Callings

God continually invites us to be open to new adventures, new people, and new ways of serving. Like Abraham and so many others, we are called to be partners in God’s ongoing work in the world, willing to take risks and discover the treasures God has for us on the journey. This openness requires courage, trust, and a readiness to see with new eyes and love with new hearts, wherever God may lead. [17:53]

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: What is one new thing God might be inviting you to try or explore this season, and how can you prepare your heart to say “yes”?

Sermon Summary

Life is full of journeys, both literal and spiritual, and God is deeply present in each one. From the earliest stories in scripture, God has called people to step out in faith, to leave behind what is familiar, and to embark on quests that transform them. Abraham left his homeland, Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness, and even Jesus’ family fled to Egypt for safety. These stories remind us that God is not static—God is always on the move, inviting us to move with Him. When we travel, whether across the world or just to a new part of our own community, we become vulnerable and open to new experiences. In that openness, God teaches us, shapes us, and reveals new aspects of Himself.

Travel is not just about relaxation or adventure; it is a spiritual opportunity. Each mountain, each city, each person we encounter has a unique story, just as each of us does. When we step into new places, we see God’s creativity in creation and in the diversity of people and cultures. Sometimes, travel brings culture shock or discomfort, but these moments are invitations to grow in understanding and compassion. As Rick Steves says, the opposite of fear is understanding, and travel can help us move from fear to deeper empathy and connection.

This summer, as we scatter to lakes, woods, and new cities, it’s easy to set aside our spiritual practices. Yet, these are the very moments when we can encounter God in fresh ways. Bringing along a devotional, a Bible app, or a journal can help us stay attentive to God’s presence wherever we go. Our church’s upcoming service trip to Detroit is a reminder that we are not the saviors of any community; God is already at work, and we are simply joining in. When we return, we hope to see our own community with new eyes, ready to continue God’s work at home.

As we embark on our own quests—big or small—let’s be intentional. What are we seeking? What risks are we willing to take? How might God be calling us to step out, to learn, to serve, and to discover new treasures of faith? May we be open to the adventure God has for us, trusting that every journey can draw us closer to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s invitations to journey are opportunities for transformation. When we step out of our comfort zones, like Abraham or Moses, we become vulnerable and open to God’s teaching. These moments of movement are not just about reaching a destination, but about being shaped by the journey itself. God meets us in our vulnerability and uses it to deepen our faith. [01:11]
2. Every place and person has a unique story that reflects God’s creativity. Just as each mountain range has its own history and formation, so too does every individual and community. When we travel or encounter new people, we are invited to appreciate the diversity of God’s creation and to see His handiwork in unexpected places. [06:25]
3. Culture shock and discomfort are spiritual invitations. When we experience unfamiliar customs, foods, or languages, it can be unsettling. Yet, these moments are opportunities to grow in understanding, humility, and empathy, moving us from fear to deeper connection with others and with God. [12:19]
4. Serving others is not about being the hero, but about joining God’s ongoing work. As we prepare to serve in Detroit, we recognize that God is already present and active in that community. Our role is to come alongside, to listen, to learn, and to participate humbly in what God is doing, both there and when we return home. [16:02]
5. Intentionality in our spiritual lives transforms ordinary travel into sacred quest. Whether we are on vacation, serving, or simply enjoying summer, bringing along spiritual practices—like devotionals, journaling, or prayer—keeps us attentive to God’s presence. Every journey can become a quest for deeper faith if we are open to seeing God in new ways. [17:53]
** [17:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:25] - The Meaning of Quest
[01:11] - God’s People on the Move
[02:36] - Vulnerability and Learning on the Journey
[03:30] - Personal Reflections on Travel
[06:25] - The Unique Stories of Creation
[08:10] - The Spirituality of Travel
[09:45] - Culture Shock and Growth
[12:19] - Encountering God in New Places
[13:50] - Summer, Sabbath, and Spiritual Practices
[15:00] - The Detroit Service Quest
[16:02] - Serving with Humility
[16:49] - Returning Home with New Eyes
[17:53] - Embracing God’s Call to New Adventures
[18:20] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Genesis 12:1-4, what does God ask Abram to do, and how does Abram respond?
According to Exodus 13:17-22, how does God guide the Israelites during their journey out of Egypt?
In Matthew 2:13-15, why does Joseph take Mary and Jesus to Egypt, and how is God involved in their journey?
The sermon mentions that God is “on the move” and often calls people to step out in faith. What are some examples from the sermon of people or groups who went on a journey because God called them? [01:11]

Interpretation Questions

What might be the significance of God asking people to leave what is familiar, like Abram or the Israelites? How does this relate to spiritual growth? [01:11]
The sermon says that travel and new experiences make us vulnerable and open to learning. Why do you think God often works in us during times of change or discomfort? [02:36]
The pastor shared about seeing God’s creativity in the diversity of mountains and people. How can noticing the uniqueness of places and people help us understand God better? [06:25]
The sermon talks about serving in Detroit and emphasizes that “we are not the saviors.” What does it mean to join God’s work rather than try to be the hero? [16:02]

Application Questions

Think about a time when you left your comfort zone—maybe a trip, a move, or trying something new. How did you see God at work in that experience? Did it change you? [02:36]
The sermon encourages us to bring spiritual practices with us when we travel (like a devotional, Bible app, or journal). What is one specific way you can stay connected to God during your summer plans? [13:50]
The pastor shared about experiencing culture shock and learning from it. Is there a time when you felt out of place or uncomfortable? How did that experience help you grow in understanding or empathy? [12:19]
When you meet new people or visit new places, do you look for God’s creativity and presence there? What is one way you can be more intentional about this in your daily life? [06:25]
The Detroit service trip is about joining God’s work, not being the hero. In your own community, where do you see God already at work, and how might you join in humbly? [16:02]
The sermon asks, “What are we seeking? What risks are we willing to take?” Is there a step of faith or a new adventure you sense God inviting you into right now? What might be holding you back? [17:53]
After a journey or new experience, how can you return home with “new eyes” to see your own community differently? Is there something you want to do differently after your next trip or new experience? [16:49]

Sermon Clips

Now why is our God a God of quests? Because when we are traveling from one place to another, we are vulnerable. We are open to learning new things. We see new things. We meet new people. We experience new things. And God often uses those moments of vulnerability and new experiences to teach us something. [00:02:13] (24 seconds)

For the Israelites in Sinai, it is a time of letting go of the gods of Egypt, the practices of the gods of Egypt, and coming to know our God in a new way. Learning new practices such as keeping the Sabbath, giving one day to God each week where we don't work and we focus on God's creation and God's relationship with us. [00:02:36] (29 seconds)

As we travel we see God in the people we meet we see God in the creation that we travel through. Rick Steves says that the opposite of fear is understanding and travel is one of those ways that we grow and understand and manage to diminish the fear that we may be feeling. [00:13:00] (23 seconds)

I think this is the one of the things that we should be thinking about this month as we get ready to travel for our summer vacations or our summer activities why are we traveling what do we hope to gain and are we open to considering that we might see God in a new way because sometimes I feel like we take the summer off from God here in Wisconsin we are in God's creation but it seems like we set church aside we set God aside so that we can spend every weekend out in God's creation. [00:13:59] (37 seconds)

There are volunteers who've been going since 2006 to this project. There will be volunteers following us this summer. We are going to do a small amount, but we are doing it with our eyes open and our hearts open to see God in new ways. And we are hoping that when we come back we will see our communities with new eyes, with new hearts. [00:16:49] (23 seconds)

What are you willing to take a risk to step out on a new adventure like Abraham did? What are you willing to do to open yourself to the ways that God is at work in our world today and the ways that God wants us to be a partner in that work? [00:17:45] (22 seconds)

So let's be open to God calling us as God has called so many others to do something new in a new place with new people. And let's see. So let's see what treasure we will discover on our quest this year. [00:18:07] (17 seconds)

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