Faithful Foundations: Embracing God's Call at Any Age
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone, both in person and online. Today, I have the privilege of sharing my story as part of our "Our Stories" series. Unlike some of the dramatic transformations we've heard, my story is one of growing up in a Christian home where faith was the cornerstone of our daily lives. My parents' devotion to God and their commitment to raising me in His ways laid a strong foundation for my faith. This upbringing gave me a sense of boldness and belonging, and it planted seeds of faith that have sustained me throughout my life.
I found my community and calling in the church. From an early age, I was involved in church activities, and it was here that I discovered my love for ministry and music. Despite the strong foundation, my journey was not without its challenges. I struggled with temptations and made mistakes, but I always found my way back to God, seeking His guidance and forgiveness.
When asked to share my story, I initially struggled because I didn't have a dramatic turn of events. However, I realized that my story is a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of a strong godly upbringing. It serves as a reminder that God is ready to use anyone who is open and willing, regardless of age or status.
There are three key points we can draw from my story:
1. We are called at any age: God's call knows no age limit. The story of Samuel, who was called by God at a young age, illustrates that age is not a requirement for serving God. What matters is an open heart and a willingness to say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening."
2. We are called to be faithful: Samuel's life shows that faithfulness to God is about perseverance and continual commitment, regardless of life's challenges. It's about turning back to God and striving to live closer to Him.
3. We are called to lead our children: Just as Samuel's life was shaped by his mother Hannah's dedication, we too are called to guide our children in faith. It's our responsibility to model godly characteristics and create an environment where faith can flourish.
Parents, your role is crucial. The time you spend with your children far outweighs the time they spend in church. Your consistent example of living out your faith will help them navigate their own spiritual journeys. Let's commit to being intentional with our faith and guiding the next generation towards a lifelong relationship with God.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Call Knows No Age Limit: The story of Samuel illustrates that God can call us at any age. Samuel was just a boy when he first heard God's voice, yet he was entrusted with significant responsibilities. This teaches us that age is not a barrier to serving God; what matters is an open heart and a willingness to say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening" [37:41].
2. Faithfulness is About Perseverance: Samuel's life was marked by faithfulness to God, even through many challenges. His story shows that faithfulness is not about never making mistakes but about continually turning back to God and striving to live closer to Him. It's about standing firm in our faith, regardless of circumstances [44:06].
3. Parental Influence is Crucial: Samuel's life was profoundly shaped by his mother Hannah's dedication to God. Parents play a vital role in guiding their children in faith. Your consistent example of living out your faith and your prayers can help your children navigate their own spiritual journeys and make godly decisions [45:57].
4. Community and Calling: Finding a community in the church can provide a sense of belonging and purpose. My involvement in church activities helped me discover my calling and develop my gifts. Being part of a faith community can offer support, godly advice, and opportunities to grow in your relationship with God [33:19].
5. Creating an Environment for Faith to Flourish: It's essential to create an environment where faith can grow, both at home and in the church community. This involves modeling godly characteristics, teaching God's word, and showing His love through everyday actions. We all have a role in nurturing the faith of the next generation [49:51].
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:36] - Introduction to "Our Stories" Series
[32:15] - Growing Up in a Christian Home
[33:19] - Finding Community and Calling in Church
[34:36] - Struggles and Temptations
[35:17] - Realizing My Story's Value
[36:21] - Key Point 1: We Are Called at Any Age
[37:41] - The Story of Samuel
[41:00] - Personal Calling to Ministry
[43:05] - Key Point 2: We Are Called to Be Faithful
[44:06] - Samuel's Faithfulness
[45:00] - Key Point 3: We Are Called to Lead Our Children
[45:57] - Hannah's Dedication and Parental Influence
[49:51] - Creating an Environment for Faith to Flourish
[51:22] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 - The Calling of Samuel
2. 1 Samuel 3:19-21 - Samuel's Faithfulness
3. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 - Hannah's Dedication
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Samuel doing when he first heard God's call? (1 Samuel 3:1-4)
2. How did Eli help Samuel recognize God's voice? (1 Samuel 3:8-9)
3. What role did Samuel's mother, Hannah, play in his early life according to 1 Samuel 1:27-28?
4. How did Samuel's faithfulness manifest as he grew older? (1 Samuel 3:19-21)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Samuel's story teach us about the importance of being open and willing to hear God's call, regardless of age? (1 Samuel 3:1-10) [37:41]
2. How does Samuel's life illustrate the concept of faithfulness and perseverance in one's relationship with God? (1 Samuel 3:19-21) [44:06]
3. In what ways did Hannah's dedication and prayer life influence Samuel's future? (1 Samuel 1:27-28) [45:57]
4. How can the church community play a role in helping individuals discover their calling and develop their gifts? [33:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called by God at a young age. How did you respond, and what impact did it have on your life? [37:41]
2. Samuel's faithfulness was about continually turning back to God despite challenges. How can you practice this kind of faithfulness in your daily life? [44:06]
3. Parents, how can you create an environment at home that nurtures your children's faith? What specific actions can you take this week to model godly characteristics? [45:57]
4. For those without children, how can you support the faith development of the younger generation within your church community? [49:51]
5. Think about a time when you struggled with temptations or made mistakes. How did you find your way back to God, and what role did your upbringing or community play in that process? [35:17]
6. How can you be more intentional in your faith, ensuring that it influences every aspect of your life, as seen in the speaker's story? [32:15]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from your guidance or mentorship. What steps can you take to support their spiritual journey this week? [50:30]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Call Knows No Age Limit
God's call can come at any age, and it is not limited by our human perceptions of readiness or maturity. The story of Samuel, who was called by God as a young boy, exemplifies this truth. Samuel was entrusted with significant responsibilities despite his youth, showing that what truly matters is an open heart and a willingness to listen to God's voice. This teaches us that age is not a barrier to serving God; rather, it is our responsiveness and obedience that count.
In our own lives, we may feel too young, too old, or too inexperienced to be used by God. However, the Bible is full of examples of people who were called at various stages of life. Whether you are a child, a teenager, an adult, or a senior, God has a purpose for you. He can use you to accomplish His will if you are willing to say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening" [37:41].
1 Samuel 3:8-10 (ESV): "And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.' Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, 'Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears."' So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt too young or too old to be used by God. How can you open your heart to His call today, regardless of your age or stage in life?
Day 2: Faithfulness is About Perseverance
Faithfulness to God is not about never making mistakes; it is about continually turning back to Him and striving to live closer to Him. Samuel's life was marked by faithfulness, even through many challenges. His story shows that faithfulness involves perseverance and a continual commitment to God, regardless of life's ups and downs.
In our own spiritual journeys, we will face temptations and make mistakes. However, what defines our faithfulness is our willingness to seek God's guidance and forgiveness, and to keep striving to live according to His will. Standing firm in our faith, despite circumstances, is a testament to our dedication to God [44:06].
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or temptation you faced. How did you respond, and how can you seek God's guidance and forgiveness to remain faithful in the future?
Day 3: Parental Influence is Crucial
The influence of parents in guiding their children in faith is profound. Samuel's life was deeply shaped by his mother Hannah's dedication to God. Parents play a vital role in modeling godly characteristics and creating an environment where faith can flourish. Your consistent example of living out your faith and your prayers can help your children navigate their own spiritual journeys and make godly decisions.
As parents, the time you spend with your children far outweighs the time they spend in church. Your role is crucial in helping them develop a lifelong relationship with God. By being intentional with your faith and guiding your children, you can make a lasting impact on their spiritual growth [45:57].
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional in modeling your faith to your children or the young people in your life? What specific actions can you take this week to guide them in their spiritual journey?
Day 4: Community and Calling
Finding a community in the church can provide a sense of belonging and purpose. Being involved in church activities can help you discover your calling and develop your gifts. A faith community offers support, godly advice, and opportunities to grow in your relationship with God.
Involvement in a church community can be transformative. It can help you find your place in God's plan and give you the encouragement and resources you need to pursue your calling. Whether through ministry, music, or other activities, being part of a faith community can help you grow spiritually and fulfill your God-given purpose [33:19].
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you become more involved in your church community? What steps can you take to discover and develop your gifts within the church?
Day 5: Creating an Environment for Faith to Flourish
It is essential to create an environment where faith can grow, both at home and in the church community. This involves modeling godly characteristics, teaching God's word, and showing His love through everyday actions. We all have a role in nurturing the faith of the next generation.
Creating an environment for faith to flourish means being intentional about how we live out our faith daily. It means being a consistent example of godliness, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, and encouraging others in their faith journeys. By doing so, we can help nurture a strong foundation of faith in those around us [49:51].
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take to create an environment where faith can flourish in your home or community? How can you model godly characteristics and encourage others in their spiritual growth?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Every single story has been an absolute, incredible reminder of God's unfailing love, His unfailing power to restore any kind of situation, and it has been super, super good." [30:36] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I have a story that's a reminder that God's grace extends, not only to those who are going through some of their hardest and darkest parts of their lives, but those who want to seek and his guidance and rely on his steadfast love every single day." [36:21] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Too many times we think that in order for us to have a significant impact in the kingdom, we have to reach like this certain, age requirement or that it's reserved for, for later stages in life. And yet when we read the story of Samuel, we see otherwise." [37:41] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faithfulness in our walk with God is about perseverance. Faithfulness in our walk with God is about trust and continual commitment to follow Him, regardless of what's happening around us. It means choosing to stand firm in our faith whenever circumstances pressure us into disbelief." [45:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's not about being perfect or having all the answers. It's about being authentic in our walk with God and sharing our journey with our children. It involves creating a home where God's presence is felt, where His word is taught, and His love is shown through everyday actions." [49:51] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "This strong foundation that was set in by my parents and in this, in our family, it gave me a, a sense of boldness. It gave me a sense of belonging. It planted seeds of faith in me that would grow and it would sustain me throughout my life." [32:15] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I did mess up, I found myself going back to God. And I found myself seeking his guidance and his forgiveness. And his grace. And, and this implantation of, of God's love in my heart from such an early age, it played a crucial role in, in helping me bring, bring myself back to Christ every time that I did fail, every time that I did mess up." [35:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "As Samuel grew in his relationship with Christ, so did his favor and his giftings grow. As I said earlier, oftentimes we think that we have to have to reach this certain age or the certain amount of life experience before God can use us. But Samuel's story shows that. Age is not a requirement that God puts on us. It's an open heart. It's an attitude of surrender and willingness to do whatever the Lord is asking of us." [41:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We can have the most powerful Wednesday night service here with you. We can do the most engaging, most interacting lesson with the kiddos upstairs on Sunday morning. But that one hour, two hours a week that we get to see your kids and pour into them does not compare to the 166 hours a week that you have with them every single week that they spend on Sunday morning." [46:52] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Parents, I know that parenting can be hard sometimes. Trust me, because I see all of you kids at least once a week. And I know it can be hard sometimes. It can. But let me tell you today, let me tell you today, it's not about being perfect or having all the answers. It's about being authentic in our walk with God and sharing our journey with our children." [49:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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