Embracing God's Call: The Power of Surrender
Summary
Summary:
In today's message, we explored the profound story of Mary, a young girl from a humble background, who was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. This narrative from Luke chapter 1 serves as a powerful reminder that God often chooses the seemingly insignificant to fulfill His grand purposes. Mary, likely around 14 years old, was not from a notable family or town, yet she was entrusted with the most significant role in history. Her story challenges us to consider the direction of our own lives and whether we are willing to surrender our plans to God's greater purpose.
The story of Mary illustrates that age and status are not barriers to being used by God. Her willingness to say, "I am the Lord's servant," despite the potential risks and societal judgments, exemplifies a profound faith and trust in God's plan. This narrative encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider what might be holding us back from fully surrendering to God's will. It is a call to action, urging us to take immediate steps in aligning our lives with God's direction, rather than waiting for a more convenient time.
As we navigate the busyness of life, especially during the holiday season, we are reminded to prioritize our spiritual commitments and take tangible steps towards serving others. Whether it's through small acts of service or significant life changes, the message is clear: the direction of our lives should be fully committed to following Jesus. This commitment is not a distant goal but a present reality that requires our immediate attention and action.
Key Takeaways:
1. God Uses the Insignificant: Mary's story shows that God often chooses those who seem insignificant to accomplish His purposes. Her humble background did not prevent her from being part of God's grand plan. This reminds us that our significance in God's eyes is not determined by our status or achievements but by our willingness to be used by Him. [09:51]
2. Age is Not a Barrier: Mary's youth did not disqualify her from being used by God. Her story encourages young people to surrender their lives to God early, allowing them to experience His blessings throughout their lives. It challenges us to trust God's timing and purpose, regardless of our age. [14:02]
3. Immediate Surrender: The call to surrender our lives to God is a present decision, not something to be postponed. Like Mary, we are invited to respond to God's call with immediate obedience, trusting that His plans are better than our own. [17:21]
4. Overcoming Barriers: We must identify and overcome the barriers that prevent us from fully surrendering to God. Whether it's fear, comfort, or societal expectations, recognizing these obstacles is the first step towards experiencing the abundant life God has for us. [22:17]
5. Taking the Next Step: Surrendering to God involves taking practical steps, even if they seem small. By prioritizing service and generosity, especially during busy seasons, we align our lives with God's direction and prepare ourselves for greater things He may call us to. [24:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:52] - The Story of Killeen
- [05:37] - Introduction to Mary
- [07:42] - Mary's Encounter with Gabriel
- [09:51] - Significance in God's Eyes
- [10:49] - Trusting God's Plan
- [11:55] - Mary's Trust and Obedience
- [14:02] - Age and God's Calling
- [17:21] - Immediate Surrender
- [19:01] - Real Talk: Aligning with God's Call
- [20:07] - Mary's Response
- [22:17] - Overcoming Barriers
- [24:29] - Taking Practical Steps
- [28:01] - Opportunities for Service
- [31:13] - The King and the Secretary
- [33:43] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 1:26-38
Observation Questions:
1. What was Mary's initial reaction when the angel Gabriel appeared to her, and why was she confused and disturbed? [07:42]
2. How does the story of Mary illustrate that God uses those who seem insignificant to accomplish His purposes? [09:51]
3. What does the angel Gabriel tell Mary about the child she will bear, and how does Mary respond to this news? [17:21]
4. What societal risks did Mary face by accepting God's plan for her life, and how did she respond to these potential challenges? [19:01]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Mary's story challenge the common perception that significance is tied to age or status? [11:55]
2. In what ways does Mary's willingness to surrender her life to God's plan serve as an example for believers today? [17:21]
3. What barriers might individuals face when considering surrendering their lives to God's direction, and how can these be overcome? [22:17]
4. How does the concept of "immediate surrender" apply to modern-day believers, and what might this look like in practical terms? [17:21]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt insignificant or unqualified for a task. How can Mary's story encourage you to trust in God's plan for your life? [09:51]
2. Are there areas in your life where you feel God is calling you to surrender your plans? What steps can you take to align your life with His direction? [17:21]
3. Identify any fears or societal expectations that might be holding you back from fully committing to God's will. How can you begin to address these barriers? [22:17]
4. Consider the busyness of your current season. What practical steps can you take to prioritize your spiritual commitments and serve others? [24:29]
5. How can you encourage and support younger individuals in your community to trust God's timing and purpose for their lives? [14:02]
6. What is one small act of service or generosity you can commit to this week to align your life more closely with God's direction? [24:29]
7. Reflect on the idea of "immediate surrender." What is one area of your life where you can practice this concept today? [17:21]
Devotional
Day 1: God Values the Humble and Overlooked
In the story of Mary, we see a profound example of how God often chooses those who seem insignificant to accomplish His grand purposes. Mary, a young girl from a humble background, was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, despite not coming from a notable family or town. This narrative reminds us that our significance in God's eyes is not determined by our status or achievements but by our willingness to be used by Him. It challenges us to consider how we view ourselves and others, recognizing that God sees potential where the world may not. [09:51]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking because they seem insignificant? How can you begin to see them through God's eyes and encourage them today?
Day 2: Embracing God's Call at Any Age
Mary's youth did not disqualify her from being used by God. Her story encourages young people to surrender their lives to God early, allowing them to experience His blessings throughout their lives. It challenges us to trust God's timing and purpose, regardless of our age. This narrative invites us to reflect on how we perceive our own capabilities and the potential God sees in us, regardless of our age or stage in life. [14:02]
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV): "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Reflection: What is one way you can set an example for others in your faith, regardless of your age? How can you encourage someone younger or older to embrace their calling?
Day 3: The Urgency of Surrender
The call to surrender our lives to God is a present decision, not something to be postponed. Like Mary, we are invited to respond to God's call with immediate obedience, trusting that His plans are better than our own. This narrative encourages us to examine what might be holding us back from fully surrendering to God's will and to take immediate steps in aligning our lives with His direction. [17:21]
James 4:13-15 (ESV): "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself delaying obedience to God? What step can you take today to surrender this area to Him?
Day 4: Identifying and Overcoming Barriers
We must identify and overcome the barriers that prevent us from fully surrendering to God. Whether it's fear, comfort, or societal expectations, recognizing these obstacles is the first step towards experiencing the abundant life God has for us. This narrative invites us to reflect on what might be holding us back and to seek God's help in overcoming these barriers. [22:17]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: What is one barrier that is preventing you from fully surrendering to God? How can you begin to lay it aside and run the race He has set before you?
Day 5: Taking Practical Steps Towards God's Direction
Surrendering to God involves taking practical steps, even if they seem small. By prioritizing service and generosity, especially during busy seasons, we align our lives with God's direction and prepare ourselves for greater things He may call us to. This narrative encourages us to take tangible steps towards serving others and living out our faith in practical ways. [24:29]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: What is one small act of service or generosity you can commit to this week? How can this step help you align your life more closely with God's direction?
Quotes
You don't have to be a person of significance in order to give the Lord the direction of your life. Like in some ways, we think that people who are doing great things for the Lord, people who are being used by God, they're like super spiritual. They're people of significance. She's 14. From a nobody family in a nobody town. Like she's not a person of significance. [00:10:04] (27 seconds)
What does that tell us? That you don't have to be someone of significance for God to do great things in your life. Like, all you have to do is be willing to say, God, the direction of my life, where it's headed, and where I'm going, and what I'm going to do, I'll lay down my plans for your plans. And God's plans might be as incredible, as significant as that, might be greater. Whatever it will be, I'll tell you this, it'll be better than your plans. [00:12:29] (28 seconds)
You surrendering the direction of your life to god is a now not later moment like it is and i'm not talking to 20 year olds and teenagers it's a now not later moment mark twain tells a story about a pretty wealthy significant businessman in boston and the businessman is talking to mark twain he says one day my goal i'm going to go to israel and i'm going to climb the top of mount sinai that's where moses was given the 10 commandments in the old testament from god he said i'm going to climb to the top of mount sinai and the top of mount sinai i'm going to read the 10 commandments in the place that they were given and mark twain looked at the man and said, instead of that, how about you just live them here in Boston? [00:16:13] (47 seconds)
Mary responded. Here it is talking about the direction of your life. I am the Lord's servant. May everything you've said about me come true. And then the angel left her. 14 years old. I am the Lord's servant. May everything you say come true. What the 14 year old girl said is the direction of my life is yours. Now let's just real talk for a second. Over the course of our lives, God has called us to certain things. [00:17:49] (34 seconds)
The direction of your life, surrendering it to Jesus, we look at that as like Christianity 401, like it's senior level class. Friends, it is not. Follow me was the first thing. It was Christianity 101. Like our base standard operating procedure means the direction of my life is wherever God's called me to be. So we're not talking about, hey, how do I get to this? What we're talking about is if you've surrendered your life to Jesus already, you've already said that's what you're doing. The direction of my life is yours. [00:23:05] (36 seconds)
Mary had a lot of things to hold her back and her culture, what she is just signed up for, could have led to being divorced by her husband. Could have led to her being taken to the city gates. stripped naked hair dropped down to signify that she's a prostitute to be mocked by her entire community and stoned meaning executed that's what mary signed up for when she said i'm the servant a servant of the lord she had a lot of things that could have held her back what's yours figure that out because that's what's keeping you from experiencing all that god's called you to experience. [00:24:16] (43 seconds)
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