Faith and Joy: Embracing God's Call Together
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of faith and joy, drawing inspiration from the story of Mary and Elizabeth. We began by acknowledging the presence of God in our midst, rejoicing in His love and the joy that comes from salvation. We prayed for the Holy Spirit to awaken us to the glory of God's love, a love that redeems and assures us of eternal life, even amidst trials. This love is our source of joy, a joy that compels us to dance and celebrate, as symbolized by the lighting of the candle of joy.
We delved into the story of Mary, a young woman living in a dark time under Roman oppression, yet possessing a remarkable faith. Despite the challenges and potential consequences of her divine assignment, Mary said yes to God, trusting in His promises. Her faith was nurtured by her relationship with Elizabeth, a righteous woman who, despite her own struggles, exemplified steadfast faith. This relationship highlights the importance of community and mentorship in growing our faith.
Mary's story teaches us that faith is not just about believing in God's existence but trusting in His goodness and power to do the impossible. Her willingness to accept God's assignment, despite the risks, shows us the power of faith to transform fear into courage and uncertainty into trust. We are reminded that God often whispers assignments into our hearts, both big and small, and our faith enables us to say yes to these divine invitations.
As we reflect on Mary's journey, we are encouraged to cultivate a faith that listens to God's whispers and steps out in trust, knowing that God is capable of the impossible. We are called to be like Elizabeth, nurturing the faith of those around us, and like Mary, responding to God's call with a heart full of faith and joy.
Key Takeaways:
- The Source of Joy: True joy comes from recognizing God's presence and love in our lives. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's promises and His eternal love for us. When we embrace this joy, it naturally overflows into expressions of celebration and gratitude. [24:13]
- Faith in Dark Times: Mary's faith amidst oppression and uncertainty teaches us that true faith is trusting in God's goodness and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. Her story encourages us to hold onto faith, knowing that God is with us and for us. [29:48]
- The Role of Community: Elizabeth's influence on Mary highlights the importance of community and mentorship in nurturing faith. We are reminded that our faith journey is strengthened by the support and example of others who walk with us, sharing their wisdom and experiences. [38:46]
- Responding to God's Call: Like Mary, we are often given divine assignments that require faith and courage. By trusting in God's power and stepping out in faith, we participate in bringing His kingdom to earth, fulfilling His purposes through our lives. [34:49]
- The Whisper of God: God often whispers His assignments into our hearts, inviting us to partner with Him in His work. By cultivating a deep relationship with God and being attentive to His voice, we can respond with faith and see His kingdom advance through us. [52:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [09:01] - Prayer and Confession
- [24:13] - Joy and Celebration
- [28:48] - Mary's Faith in Dark Times
- [31:02] - The Assignment of Faith
- [32:08] - God's Power and Promise
- [33:00] - Mary's Trust and Obedience
- [34:00] - Hearing God's Whisper
- [35:52] - Elizabeth's Influence
- [37:17] - Community and Faith
- [38:46] - Mentorship and Growth
- [39:59] - Faith in Action
- [41:18] - Elizabeth's Joyful Greeting
- [43:54] - The Journey of Faith
- [45:31] - Cultivating Faithfulness
- [47:39] - Listening to God's Whisper
- [49:14] - Stories of Faith in Action
- [52:31] - Embracing God's Call
- [57:45] - Prayer for Faithfulness
- [58:45] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation to Mary
2. Luke 1:39-45 - Mary Visits Elizabeth
3. Philippians 4:4-7 - Rejoice in the Lord Always
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was Mary's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's message, and how did she respond to the divine assignment given to her? ([32:08])
2. How did Elizabeth's greeting affirm Mary's faith and the significance of her role in God's plan? ([41:18])
3. What role does joy play in the lives of Mary and Elizabeth, and how is it expressed in their interactions? ([24:13])
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural and political context in which Mary lived, and how did it impact her faith? ([28:48])
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Mary's faith in God's promises, despite the risks and challenges, serve as an example for believers today? ([33:00])
2. In what ways does the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth illustrate the importance of community and mentorship in nurturing faith? ([38:46])
3. How can believers today discern and respond to the "whispers" of God in their lives, as described in the sermon? ([34:49])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the connection between faith and joy, and how can this understanding transform a believer's perspective on trials? ([24:13])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God whispering an assignment into your heart. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([34:49])
2. Consider the role of community in your faith journey. Who has been an "Elizabeth" in your life, and how can you be an "Elizabeth" to someone else? ([38:46])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your life, even amidst challenging circumstances? What practical steps can you take this week to focus on God's promises? ([24:13])
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's power to do the impossible. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? ([32:08])
5. How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for God's whispers and respond with faith and courage? ([34:49])
6. Think about a young person in your life who could benefit from mentorship. What is one way you can intentionally invest in their faith journey this month? ([38:46])
7. Reflect on the joy that comes from recognizing God's presence and love. How can you express this joy in your interactions with others this week? ([24:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Rooted in God's Love
True joy is found in recognizing God's presence and love in our lives. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is deeply rooted in the assurance of God's promises and His eternal love for us. When we embrace this joy, it naturally overflows into expressions of celebration and gratitude. This joy is symbolized by the lighting of the candle of joy, reminding us that even in the darkest times, God's love is a constant source of light and hope. As we open our hearts to this divine joy, we are invited to dance and celebrate, knowing that God's love redeems and assures us of eternal life. [24:13]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How can you intentionally recognize and celebrate God's presence and love in your life today, regardless of your current circumstances?
Day 2: Faith Amidst Uncertainty
Mary's faith amidst oppression and uncertainty teaches us that true faith is trusting in God's goodness and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. Living under Roman oppression, Mary faced significant challenges and potential consequences for her divine assignment. Yet, she said yes to God, trusting in His promises. Her story encourages us to hold onto faith, knowing that God is with us and for us, even in the darkest times. By trusting in God's power, we can transform fear into courage and uncertainty into trust. [29:48]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are facing uncertainty? How can you choose to trust in God's goodness and promises in that situation today?
Day 3: The Strength of Community
Elizabeth's influence on Mary highlights the importance of community and mentorship in nurturing faith. Despite her own struggles, Elizabeth exemplified steadfast faith and provided Mary with support and encouragement. This relationship underscores the significance of having a community that walks with us, sharing wisdom and experiences. Our faith journey is strengthened by the support and example of others, reminding us that we are not alone. By nurturing the faith of those around us, we can create a community that fosters growth and resilience in faith. [38:46]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your life has been a source of spiritual support and mentorship? How can you reach out to them or someone else today to strengthen your faith community?
Day 4: Embracing Divine Assignments
Like Mary, we are often given divine assignments that require faith and courage. By trusting in God's power and stepping out in faith, we participate in bringing His kingdom to earth, fulfilling His purposes through our lives. Mary's willingness to accept God's assignment, despite the risks, shows us the power of faith to transform fear into courage. We are reminded that God often whispers assignments into our hearts, both big and small, and our faith enables us to say yes to these divine invitations. [34:49]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "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 God is calling you to step out in faith? What practical steps can you take today to respond to this call?
Day 5: Listening to God's Whisper
God often whispers His assignments into our hearts, inviting us to partner with Him in His work. By cultivating a deep relationship with God and being attentive to His voice, we can respond with faith and see His kingdom advance through us. This requires a heart that is open and willing to listen, even amidst the noise of daily life. As we reflect on Mary's journey, we are encouraged to cultivate a faith that listens to God's whispers and steps out in trust, knowing that God is capable of the impossible. [52:31]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: In the busyness of life, how can you create space to listen for God's whispers today? What might He be inviting you to do or become?
Quotes
"The Apostle John writes that if we ask and pray in according to God's will, it's a yes. This prayer is according to God's will. May he grant you all that you need to be all that he's calling you to be. Amen." [00:11:06] (17 seconds)
"Mary's a young girl, but Elizabeth's part of her family. And earlier we find out a little bit about Elizabeth. Elizabeth is married to Zachariah and they're part of, Zachariah's a priest. And we're told, that in this corrupted system, there are some good people, according to God, that they were both righteous before God, walking blameless in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord." [00:36:01] (33 seconds)
"God's often whispering in our hearts assignments. assignments, in your heart and my heart. And the stronger in our faith is, is the more that we can say yes to these assignments. Some of these assignments are big and some of them are small. They're the kind of assignments that bring heaven onto earth." [00:33:42] (22 seconds)
"Mary has just a very practical question. How can this be since I'm a virgin? How can I do the assignment? And then God just simply says, you know, the power of the Holy Spirit will overpower. It will overpower you, and that's how it will happen. And then God says that no word of mine shall fail." [00:32:03] (23 seconds)
"Elizabeth didn't know the impact that she would be having on this Mary until later on in life. And neither do you. The impact of, of your faithfulness strengthens others to be faithful. Don't you want to grow faithfulness, remember the stories of God, be part of a faithful community as we gather on our way home." [00:46:50] (30 seconds)
"God's got this he's longing for people of faith who will believe him and trust him and step out with him so his kingdom of love would penetrate deep into the world a young a man and a woman were were older in their faith they were more like elizabeth and zachariah and in 1970 margaret dryden heard of her husband who was uh in pakistan and he stepped over a sleeping child and and and the vision of that, like of him tripping over a child who was asleep, just captivated him, and God's whisper in that couple began to be a very loud cry." [00:49:14] (63 seconds)
"God help us all to be faithful. Amen. Lord, we thank You for Your gifts, Your love. We thank You for all the ways that You've lifted up people in our lives to help us to see You and to know You. We thank You for the people of integrity who have taken the time to teach us." [00:54:23] (0 seconds)
"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord's face shine upon you. May the Lord be gracious to you today and forevermore. Amen." [01:04:08] (8 seconds)
"Help us to know what to say and how to interact and how to encourage. Help us to remember them in our prayers and to inspire them by being faithful. Even in tough times. Teach us, Lord, that our lives have great impact. Help us. We pray that for Your church, wherever she might gather today." [00:58:13] (32 seconds)
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