Here I Am, Lord: Embracing God’s Faithful Call

Today, we gathered as a community to remember, to worship, and to reflect on the faithfulness of God through every season of life. We began by honoring our veterans and praying for peace, not only in our world but in our hearts, asking Jesus—the true King of Peace—to bring unity, wisdom, and healing to all who are suffering or in need. This spirit of gratitude and remembrance set the tone for our worship, as we lifted high the name of Jesus, declaring His holiness and kingship.

I shared my own journey of faith, from my early years growing up in a Mennonite home, through seasons of obedience and wandering, to a pivotal moment of surrender as a teenager. That “yes” to Jesus became a recurring theme in my life, shaping my path through unexpected turns—Bible college, marriage, loss, and even years spent selling office furniture when I longed to be in ministry. In those wilderness years, God taught me the importance of honoring Him wherever I am, not just in the roles I desire, but in the places He places me. True faithfulness is found in saying, “Here I am, Lord, send me,” even when the destination is unclear.

We looked at the example of Peter and John in Acts, who, after facing persecution, returned to their community and prayed for boldness to continue sharing the gospel. Their prayer was not for comfort or safety, but for courage and for God’s power to be displayed through signs and wonders—all for the glory of Jesus. This is a timely word for us as a church in transition: to be a people who continually say “yes” to God, who seek His will, and who boldly proclaim His name in our city and beyond.

We also reflected on generosity, recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. Giving is not just a duty, but a joyful act of worship that breaks the grip of “mine-itis” and allows us to participate in God’s eternal work. As we prayed for those going out on mission, we were reminded that our obedience and generosity have ripple effects far beyond what we can see.

May we be a church marked by boldness, faithfulness, and a willingness to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me,” trusting that God is always faithful.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Honor God Wherever You Are It’s easy to treat certain seasons or roles as mere stepping stones to something greater, but God calls us to honor Him right where we are. True faithfulness is not about waiting for the “real” calling, but about serving wholeheartedly in the present. In the wilderness or the waiting, God shapes our character and prepares us for what’s next. [35:46]
• 2. Boldness Flows from Community and Prayer When Peter and John faced opposition, they didn’t retreat in fear—they returned to their community and prayed for greater boldness. Spiritual courage is not a solo endeavor; it is cultivated in the context of shared faith, honest prayer, and mutual encouragement. As we pray together, God fills us with His Spirit and empowers us to speak and act with confidence. [40:44]
• 3. Generosity Breaks the Grip of “Mine-itis” The tendency to cling to what we have is deeply rooted, but giving is a powerful antidote. When we recognize that everything belongs to God, our hearts are freed from possessiveness, and we find joy in sharing. Generosity is not just about meeting needs—it’s about participating in God’s eternal purposes and making a difference that lasts beyond this life. [53:32]
• 4. Saying “Yes” to God Leads to Transformation Each “yes” to God—no matter how small or uncertain—opens the door to transformation, both in our own lives and in the lives of others. God’s faithfulness is revealed as we step out in obedience, even when the path is unclear. The willingness to say, “Here I am, send me,” is the posture that invites God’s power and presence into our story. [33:10]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [03:40] - Prayer for Peace and Veterans
• [04:05] - Praying for Unity and the Vulnerable
• [22:37] - Worship: Lifting High the Name of Jesus
• [25:27] - Personal Testimony: Surrendering to God
• [27:25] - Encountering God in Community
• [28:41] - Choosing a Path and Seeking God’s Will
• [31:27] - God’s Call and Life Verse
• [33:10] - Saying “Here I Am, Send Me”
• [34:07] - Grief, Waiting, and Honoring God
• [36:16] - Lessons from the Wilderness
• [37:13] - Serving Children and Learning Faith
• [39:31] - God’s Faithfulness in Every Season
• [40:44] - Boldness in the Face of Opposition
• [42:44] - Praying for Boldness and Miracles
• [45:14] - Congregational Prayer and Worship
• [52:03] - Giving as Worship and Generosity
• [56:24] - Announcements and Missions Prayer
• [1:03:15] - Benediction and Blessing

1. In Isaiah 6:8, what is Isaiah’s response to God’s call, and how does he express his willingness?
2. According to Acts 4:23-31, what did Peter and John do after facing opposition, and what specifically did they pray for?
3. The sermon mentioned “mine-itis” and referenced Psalm 24:1. What does this verse say about ownership and our attitude toward what we have? [53:32]
4. In the sermon, what was the pastor’s experience during his “wilderness years,” and what lesson did he learn about honoring God in that season? [35:46]

1. Why do you think Isaiah’s response, “Here I am, send me,” is so significant for someone who feels uncertain about their calling or future? [33:10]
2. What does the prayer of Peter and John in Acts 4 reveal about the early church’s priorities when facing hardship? How does this compare to what we often pray for today? [40:44]
3. The sermon described generosity as a way to break the grip of “mine-itis.” Why is it important to recognize that everything belongs to God, and how does this perspective change our approach to giving? [53:32]
4. The pastor shared about serving God in a job he didn’t desire. What does this teach about faithfulness and obedience, even when life doesn’t go as planned? [35:46]

1. The pastor talked about treating certain seasons or roles as “stepping stones” and missing the opportunity to honor God right where we are. Is there an area in your life right now where you’re just “waiting for the next thing” instead of serving wholeheartedly? What would it look like to honor God in your current situation? [35:46]
2. Peter and John prayed for boldness, not comfort or safety. When was the last time you prayed for courage to share your faith or to do something difficult for God? What is one area where you need more boldness right now? [40:44]
3. The sermon described “mine-itis” as the tendency to cling to what we have. Is there something (time, money, possessions, talents) that you find hard to let go of or share? What is one practical step you could take this week to practice generosity? [53:32]
4. The pastor’s story included a season of loss and disappointment, yet he learned to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Have you experienced a “wilderness” season? How did it shape your faith, and what did you learn about God’s faithfulness? [36:16]
5. The sermon emphasized that boldness flows from community and prayer. Who are the people in your life that encourage you to be bold in your faith? How can you intentionally pray with others for courage and for God’s power to be displayed? [40:44]
6. The pastor mentioned that each “yes” to God leads to transformation. Is there something God is asking you to say “yes” to right now, even if you feel unsure or unqualified? What is holding you back, and how can you take a step of obedience this week? [33:10]
7. The church prayed for those going on mission, reminding us that our obedience and generosity have ripple effects. Is there a way you can support someone else’s calling—through prayer, encouragement, or giving—this month? [56:24]