Embracing God's Invitation: Faith, Action, and Hope

Devotional

Day 1: God Appears Personally and Desires Relationship

God is not distant or detached; He comes near, appearing personally to His people, longing for relationship and revealing Himself in ways that meet us right where we are. He sees our struggles, our doubts, and our needs, and He cares deeply for each of us, inviting us to recognize His presence and respond to His love. Through Jesus, God has made Himself known, taking on our sin and making a way for us to be in His holy presence now and forever. Even today, God continues to appear—through His Word, through the sacraments, and through the events of our lives—calling us to see, hear, and know Him as the God who cares for us personally. [41:35]

Genesis 18:1-5 (ESV)
And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”

Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally paused to recognize God’s personal presence in your life? How might you make space today to listen for His voice and respond to His invitation?

Day 2: Responding with Urgency and Humility to God’s Call

When God appears and calls, the way we respond matters. Abraham responded with urgency and humility, stopping everything to welcome the Lord and serve Him, making God’s presence and will the highest priority in his life. Too often, we delay or dismiss God’s nudges, waiting for a more convenient time or letting other priorities crowd out His call. But God invites us to respond now, to make Him the center, and to serve with a willing heart, not as an afterthought but as our greatest joy and purpose. [47:09]

Genesis 18:6-8 (ESV)
And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.

Reflection: What is one area where you sense God calling you to act or serve, but you’ve been putting it off? What step of obedience can you take today to respond with urgency and humility?

Day 3: Nothing Is Too Hard for the Lord

God’s promises often seem impossible from a human perspective, but He is the Almighty—nothing is too hard for Him. Sarah laughed in disbelief at the promise of a child in her old age, and Abraham himself doubted and tried to take matters into his own hands. Yet God remained faithful, showing that His power is not limited by our circumstances, our failures, or our doubts. He brings life from death, hope from despair, and keeps His promises even when we cannot see how. [52:05]

Genesis 18:13-14 (ESV)
The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel something is impossible or “dead”? How can you trust God’s power and faithfulness to do what only He can do?

Day 4: God’s Power Works Through Our Weakness and Faith

God is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or imagine, not because of our strength, but because of His power at work within us. Like Paul, who saw God build the church through him despite his past and weaknesses, we are invited to believe that God can use us—no matter our age, background, or limitations—to accomplish His purposes. The key is not our ability, but our willingness to believe and step out in faith, trusting that God’s dynamite power is in us to change lives, communities, and even the world. [53:19]

Ephesians 3:20 (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,

Reflection: If you truly believed God’s power was at work in you and you could not fail, what bold step of faith would you take for His glory today?

Day 5: Praying for and Loving a Broken World

In a world that often rejects God and calls evil good, God calls His people not to respond with anger or despair, but to pray, love, and intercede for others—even for those who oppose or persecute us. Just as Abraham was invited to intercede for Sodom and as Jesus prayed for His enemies, we are called to pray for awakening, to love our enemies, and to finish the task God has given us: testifying to His grace and making disciples. Our mission is not just to hope things get better, but to actively participate in God’s redemptive work through prayer, love, and faithful witness. [01:06:44]

Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or in the world that you find difficult to love or pray for? How can you take a step today to pray for them and seek their good, following Jesus’ example?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered in the midst of a world that feels heavy with grief and uncertainty, yet we are reminded that God is always present and at work, even in our darkest moments. Reflecting on the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18, we see how God comes to us personally, not as a distant force but as a guest who desires relationship. Abraham’s response to God’s visitation is one of urgency and hospitality—he drops everything to welcome the Lord, recognizing the significance of the moment. In contrast, Sarah’s initial response is laughter born of disbelief, a natural reaction to a promise that seems impossible by human standards. Yet, God’s question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” challenges us to reconsider the limits we place on Him.

God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection. Abraham and Sarah both doubted, took matters into their own hands, and made mistakes, yet God remained true to His promise. This is a powerful reminder that God’s covenant and power are not thwarted by our failures or limitations. He is the God who brings life from death, hope from despair, and possibility from impossibility. The same God who called Abraham and Sarah calls us today, inviting us to trust Him with dreams and callings that seem beyond our reach.

We also see a warning in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah—a culture that rejects God and pursues its own way ultimately faces judgment. Yet, even here, God invites Abraham to intercede, showing that our role is not to condemn but to pray, love, and seek the good of even those who oppose us. The call is to move from being passive observers to active participants in God’s mission, empowered by His Spirit to bring light into darkness.

The challenge before us is to respond to God’s personal invitation with faith and action. If we truly believed God would not let us fail, what bold steps would we take for His glory? No matter our age or past, God’s Spirit is poured out on all who believe, and He invites us to dream, to serve, and to finish the race He has set before us. Today is the day to say yes, to trust in His power, and to step into the calling He has placed on our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Presence Is Personal and Relational God does not remain distant or aloof; He comes to us in the midst of our ordinary lives, seeking relationship and intimacy. Like Abraham, we are invited to recognize and welcome God’s presence, understanding that He cares deeply about our circumstances and desires to meet us where we are. The question is not whether God is appearing, but whether we are attentive and responsive to His visitation. [40:37]
2. Faith Responds with Urgency, Not Delay Abraham’s example shows that when God calls or appears, the appropriate response is immediate and wholehearted action. Too often, we delay obedience, waiting for a more convenient time or better circumstances, but God’s invitations are often time-sensitive and transformative. True faith prioritizes God’s will above our own plans, refusing to let the moment of divine opportunity pass by. [47:09]
3. God’s Power Is Not Limited by Our Weakness or Doubt Both Abraham and Sarah doubted God’s promise, yet God’s faithfulness was not hindered by their unbelief. The Lord’s rhetorical question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” invites us to trust that He can do far more than we ask or imagine, even when our situation seems hopeless. Our limitations are the very stage upon which God displays His power and grace. [52:05]
4. The Church Is Called to Intercede, Not Condemn In a world marked by increasing darkness and rejection of God, our calling is not to retreat or respond with anger, but to intercede in prayer and love for those far from God. Like Abraham, we are invited to stand in the gap, praying for mercy and transformation, believing that God can redeem even the most broken situations and people. [66:44]
5. God’s Calling Is for Every Generation and Every Season No one is too old, too broken, or too late to be used by God. The Spirit is poured out on all who believe, inviting both young and old to dream God-sized dreams and pursue His mission with boldness. The question is: if you knew God would not let you fail, what would you attempt for His glory? Today is the day to step forward in faith, trusting that God’s power is at work within you.

** [59:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:26] - Introduction: Grief, Change, and God’s Timing
[17:00] - The Disciples’ Grief and the Call to Move Forward
[17:58] - Getting Stuck in Life’s Muck
[30:57] - Visitors vs. Guests: How We Respond to God
[35:21] - Genesis Recap: Abraham’s Journey of Faith
[36:14] - Abraham’s Hospitality and God’s Promise
[37:13] - Sarah’s Laughter and the Impossibility of God’s Promise
[38:01] - God’s Personal Appearance and Relationship
[43:36] - Three Responses to God’s Visitation
[47:09] - The Urgency of Faithful Response
[50:56] - Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
[53:19] - God’s Power at Work in Our Weakness
[59:52] - Dreaming God-Sized Dreams at Any Age
[62:12] - Sodom and Gomorrah: The Consequences of Rejection
[66:44] - Interceding for the World: Love, Prayer, and Forgiveness
[69:43] - The Call to Finish the Race and Step into God’s Mission
[77:14] - Partnership and Commitment to the Church

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 18:1-15 (ESV) — > And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”
> ...
> They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

Ephesians 3:20 (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...

Matthew 5:44 (ESV) — > But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...

Observation Questions

How does Abraham respond when he realizes the Lord is visiting him? What actions does he take, and what does this show about his attitude? ([36:14])
What is Sarah’s reaction to the promise that she will have a son, and how does the Lord address her response? ([37:13])
According to the sermon, what is the difference between treating God as a “visitor” versus a “guest” in our lives? ([30:57])
What does God say to Abraham about Sodom and Gomorrah, and what role does Abraham take in response? ([38:01])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Abraham responded with such urgency and hospitality when the Lord appeared, instead of waiting or hesitating? What does this reveal about his faith? ([36:14])
Sarah laughed at God’s promise because it seemed impossible. What does God’s question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” teach us about how we view our own limitations and God’s power? ([50:56])
The sermon mentions that both Abraham and Sarah doubted, yet God remained faithful. What does this suggest about the relationship between our faithfulness and God’s promises? ([52:05])
When God reveals his plans for Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham intercedes for the city. What does this teach us about the role of believers in responding to a broken or sinful world? ([01:06:44])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to respond to God’s invitations with urgency, like Abraham did. Is there something you sense God calling you to do that you’ve been putting off? What is one step you could take this week to respond? ([47:09])
Sarah’s laughter came from disbelief in what seemed impossible. Are there areas in your life where you have stopped believing God can work? What would it look like to trust God with those “impossible” situations? ([50:56])
The pastor asked, “If God would ensure you wouldn’t fail, what would you attempt for his glory?” What dream or calling has God placed on your heart that you’ve been afraid to pursue? What’s holding you back? ([57:53])
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah reminds us not to condemn but to intercede for those far from God. Who in your life or community needs your prayers and love right now, even if you disagree with them or they oppose your faith? ([01:06:44])
The sermon emphasized that God’s calling is for every generation and every season. Do you ever feel “too old,” “too young,” or “too broken” to be used by God? How does the story of Abraham and Sarah challenge that thinking? ([59:52])
The pastor mentioned that God’s presence is personal and relational, not distant. How can you be more attentive and responsive to God’s presence in your everyday life this week? ([40:37])
The church is called to be active participants in God’s mission, not just passive observers. What is one practical way you can bring light into a dark place—at home, work, or in your community—this month? ([01:09:43])

Sermon Clips

God is personal. God is about a relationship. And he cares for you. He cares for what you're experiencing and feeling. He sees it all. And he loves you. [00:40:37] (23 seconds) #relationshipwithgod

But notice the Lord says, is anything too hard for the Lord? And the word Lord there is Yahweh. And Yahweh is Almighty God. Most of us kind of get into Yahweh. We think about Exodus when Moses goes to Pharaoh, the greatest, strongest nation, and there's all those plagues. What are those plagues? They were plagues, a demonstration of the almighty power of Yahweh over every god of this great Egyptian culture. And these slaves were being shown the power of God, the power of God that they could trust, that could deliver them. And so God is showing up and he's saying, look, this is Yahweh. I'm the almighty God. God, nothing's impossible for me. I am the creator of all things. I have brought from no life to life, and I can definitely take from death to life. [00:51:13] (53 seconds) #godscovenantfaithful

See, the will of God is dependent on God. We're dead. Not you. We're dead. We need God, the covenant God, to carry the burden of his promise. [00:54:11] (21 seconds) #helpmyunbelief

Hope is not a strategy. God says, he could do abundantly more, exceed more than you're hoping to imagine. And how does he do that? For the power, the power at work within us. That power, dynamite, the power of God in creating from nothing to life is in us. The power that can push back darkness is in us, the church. The power that changes lives is in us, the church. Amen? [00:56:17] (35 seconds) #faithtodreambig

Maybe the prayer the church needs to have is the prayer of the man who was struggling with his son, who was sick, who was running around trying to get healing, who was desperate and hopeless, and he comes into Jesus, hears about Jesus, and when he says, Jesus, if you can heal him. And Jesus says, as recorded in Mark 9, 20, think, if you can, are you really asking me if I can do this? He says, all things are possible for the one who believes. And me, the father child, cried out and said, I believe, help my unbelief. That needs to be our prayer. God, I believe in you. I believe you saved me, but man, help my unbelief, so it gets out of my head and gets in my heart and gets in my life and gets in my action. [00:56:54] (46 seconds) #thelittletrainthatcan

If God would ensure you wouldn't fail, what would you attempt? If God would ensure you would not fail, what would you attempt for his glory? See, when the power of God comes, we go from the laughter of the sphere of Sarah into faith. And say, okay, everything's possible. [00:58:08] (29 seconds) #godseesandspeaks

Do you dare to dream, dream in faith, what God could do with the power in you? I mean, I dream of a day where God awakens the whole Gulf Coast with the Holy Ghost, awakens to Jesus, the light of Jesus to have a multiplication movement that is sending people in every corner of this world to disband the darkness with the light of Christ. [01:00:22] (27 seconds) #sinremainsunchanged

And what God calls us is to pray for them, love them, and offer forgiveness as it was offered us while we were enemies of God, children of wrath, the Bible says, until we were bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. And pray for the awakening hearts. I mean, I believe there's a lot of Saul's that are going to become Paul's this generation. Because the further they were, man, the further they'll go for Jesus when the grace hits them. [01:07:21] (30 seconds)

It's not too late to start. It's not too late to start. And so I encourage you, let's start today. Don't let another day pass. The Lord's appearing. Listen. Man, if you want to help, we're here. We want to help you here and follow it and help you as much as we can. But it's time, church. It's time to be the servant and say, not my will. I'm not just tagging you on, God. It's your will. We're here. And we're listening. [01:09:40] (39 seconds)

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