Embracing God's Call: Living with Purpose and Passion

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Divine Interruptions

In life, there are moments that change everything, moments that redefine our path and purpose. These life-changing moments, as seen in the stories of Brooke and Paul, are opportunities for God to redirect our paths and set us apart for His purposes. Brooke Brankowski, a young girl filled with joy and faith, lived a life dedicated to making a difference for Jesus. Her story parallels the transformative experience of Paul, who encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, forever altering his life. These moments are divine interruptions that lead to a greater calling. Embrace these changes as opportunities to align with God's purpose for your life. [01:49]

Acts 9:3-6 (ESV): "Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent unexpected event in your life. How might God be using this moment to redirect your path for His purpose?

Day 2: Discover Your Unique Divine Mission

God's call is personal and intentional, tailored to our unique gifts and circumstances. We are not accidents; we are created for a divine mission that only we can fulfill. Brooke's life was a testament to living with purpose and passion for Jesus, using her gifts to impact others. Similarly, Paul was set apart for a greater purpose, called to spread the gospel. God's calling extends to every believer, not limited to vocational ministry. Our first calling is to be followers of Christ, embracing salvation and living a life set apart for Him. Recognize that you have a specific purpose in God's plan. [11:46]

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV): "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Reflection: What unique gifts and circumstances has God given you? How can you use them to fulfill your divine mission today?

Day 3: Grow in Hidden Seasons

Before stepping into our calling, God often prepares us in hidden and challenging seasons. These times are not wasted but are crucial for developing the character and skills needed for our mission. Brooke's life, though tragically short, was a powerful example of preparation and impact. Like Paul, who spent time in preparation before his ministry, we must embrace these seasons as opportunities for growth. God shapes us for His purposes during these times, preparing us for the greater calling ahead. Trust in God's timing and embrace the growth that comes from hidden seasons. [23:22]

1 Samuel 16:11-13 (ESV): "Then Samuel said to Jesse, 'Are all your sons here?' And he said, 'There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.' And Samuel said to Jesse, 'Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.' And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, 'Arise, anoint him, for this is he.' Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward."

Reflection: Reflect on a challenging season in your life. How can you see God's hand in preparing you during that time?

Day 4: Share Your Story for God's Glory

Our past, no matter how broken, can be used by God to reach others. Like Paul, who shared his transformative encounter with Jesus, we are called to share our stories to glorify God and lead others to Him. Brooke's life and legacy continue to impact countless lives, reminding us that our testimonies are powerful tools for evangelism. By sharing our stories, we can bring hope and encouragement to others, pointing them to the transformative power of Christ. Embrace your story and use it to glorify God and impact the world around you. [34:45]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: What part of your story can you share with someone today to bring them hope and point them to Jesus?

Day 5: Live Boldly for Christ

Brooke's life exemplifies living with purpose and passion for Jesus. Her story challenges us to make the most of the life we've been given, to live boldly for Christ, and to impact the world around us. Life is not about the years we live but about what we do with the life we've been given. Brooke's legacy is a powerful example of how God can use our lives to bring others to Him. Don't wait to make a difference; start today by living a life of purpose and making an impact for His glory. [40:44]

Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Reflection: What is one bold step you can take today to live more fully for Christ and make an impact in your community?

Sermon Summary

In life, there are moments that change everything, moments that redefine our path and purpose. Today, I shared the story of Brooke Brankowski, a young girl whose life was a testament to living with purpose and passion for Jesus. At just 14, Brooke was not your average teenager. She was filled with joy, love, and an unshakable faith in Christ. Her life was dedicated to making a difference, and she did so by starting Bible studies and using her savings to buy Bibles for others. Her journal entries revealed a heart set on fire for God, and her life was a reflection of her desire to live fully for Him.

Brooke's story parallels the transformative experience of Paul, as described in Galatians 1:15-24. Like Brooke, Paul had a moment where everything changed. On the road to Damascus, he encountered Jesus, and his life was forever altered. God set him apart for a greater purpose, just as He does with each of us. We are all called to something greater than ourselves, and it begins with answering God's call to salvation.

God's calling is personal, intentional, and far beyond what we can imagine. It is not limited to vocational ministry but extends to every believer. Our first calling is to be followers of Christ, to embrace salvation, and to live a life set apart for Him. This calling requires preparation, often in hidden and challenging seasons, where God shapes us for His purposes.

Brooke's life, though tragically cut short, continues to impact countless lives. Her story reminds us that life is not about the years we live but about what we do with the life we've been given. Her legacy is a powerful example of how God can use our lives to bring others to Him. Today, I invite you to respond to God's call, to live a life of purpose, and to make a difference for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Changing Moments:** Life can change in an instant, as seen in the stories of Brooke and Paul. These moments are opportunities for God to redirect our paths and set us apart for His purposes. Embrace these changes as divine interruptions that lead to a greater calling. [01:49]
2. God's Personal Calling: God's call is personal and intentional. He has a specific purpose for each of us, tailored to our unique gifts and circumstances. We are not accidents; we are created for a divine mission that only we can fulfill.

3. Preparation in Hidden Seasons: Before stepping into our calling, God often prepares us in hidden and challenging seasons. These times are not wasted but are crucial for developing the character and skills needed for our mission. Embrace these seasons as opportunities for growth.

4. Sharing Your Story for His Glory: Our past, no matter how broken, can be used by God to reach others. Like Paul, we are called to share our stories, not to promote ourselves, but to glorify God and lead others to Him. Your testimony is a powerful tool for evangelism.

5. Living a Life of Purpose: Brooke's life exemplifies living with purpose and passion for Jesus. Her story challenges us to make the most of the life we've been given, to live boldly for Christ, and to impact the world around us. Don't wait to make a difference; start today.

** [01:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:49] - Brooke Brankowski's Story
[03:42] - Paul's Transformative Encounter
[06:23] - God's Call and Our Response
[09:51] - The First Calling: Salvation
[11:46] - Personal and Intentional Calling
[14:30] - God's Bigger Dreams for Us
[17:10] - Hidden for a Season, Anointed for a Reason
[20:30] - Preparation in the Wilderness
[23:22] - The Importance of Preparation
[25:34] - Jesus' Preparation in the Wilderness
[30:00] - Embracing the Season of Preparation
[32:07] - Sharing Your Story for His Glory
[34:45] - Using Your Past for God's Purpose
[36:54] - Brooke's Legacy and Impact
[40:44] - Living a Life That Counts
[42:56] - Responding to God's Call

Sermon Clips

"You ever have one of those moments, one of those moments where maybe it was a phone call, maybe it was just a decision that you made, maybe just something in that moment, everything changed. Like that. Sometimes it's a word from a doctor, sometimes it's a word from an employer, sometimes it's a word from a family member. Where one day life was normal, but the next, anything but." [00:12:16] (37 seconds) Edit Clip

"She started a Bible study at her school, sharing Jesus with her friends. She even saved her babysitting money, not for new clothes or the newest phone, but to buy Bibles for people that didn't have them. She wrote in her journal about how much she longed for people to know Jesus. She wanted her life to matter." [00:109:64] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

"Paul had a moment where everything in his life changed. And ultimately, he was set apart for the Lord as well. Let's look at what happened in Acts chapter 9, verses 3 through 6. It says this. It says that he neared, it's called about Paul. As Paul neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a lightning head had flashed around him." [00:244:79] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

"God's calling is for every believer. And when he called you, the first calling God has in your life is this. It's not to go do something, but it's to be something and that's to be a follower of him. Salvation. That is the first calling God has in your life." [00:562:54] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

"God didn't create you for a generic purpose. He created you for a specific one. Now, there are people that you know that nobody else in this room will ever have an opportunity to be in their life and to speak into their life like you do. There are people that you know throughout your life that you are going to be the Jesus that they see." [00:749:30] (34 seconds) Edit Clip

"You are hidden for a season, and you are anointed for a reason. Let's talk about that for a second. When Paul got saved, what happened? Did he start preaching immediately? No, we just read. How long did he go away before he met even with the church leaders to talk about preaching? It said three years. Three years that he was gone." [00:1073:13] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

"Every one of those difficulties, every one of those wilderness experiences, every one of those prison experiences were preparation for what God wanted to do in that person's life later. We need to understand that as well. Preparation. We're often prepared when we're isolated. It happens that way. Not only that preparation, it's not time wasted." [00:1384:95] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

"Preparation is about you and me becoming the man or woman of God that God wants us to be so that when the preparation is over then we can go do the work that God has called us to do. Often times we get that backwards. I'm going to go do this for God, I'm going to do that for God and God's like I'm not even leading you to do that." [00:1625:15]

"Life isn't about the years you live. It's about what you do with the life you've been given. Brooke's story spread, and her journal entry was shared in churches, and youth groups, and youth camps, and conferences all around the world. Students started Bible studies in her ministry, and thousands of people came to know the Lord through her story." [00:2382:54] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

"Jesus said this in John 12, verse 24, Verily I say unto you, and listen to this, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it only remains a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Brooke was one of those many seeds. And from her short life, many have come to know Jesus. And she lived out what her journal said." [00:2420:38] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

"Paul didn't wait to live a life on a mission. Brooke didn't wait to share her faith. The question this morning is what are you waiting for? I mentioned this, that the number one first calling are going to be a place. can be a place. has in your life is to be saved." [00:2457:70] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

"God is calling you today. He's calling you to make a difference. He's not calling you to be Brooke. He's not calling you to be Paul. He's calling you to be you. And if you're ready to answer that call, I want you to pray this with me. Go bow your heads and close your eyes if you want to pray this today." [00:2560:58] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

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