Making Room for God: Embracing Availability and Purpose
Summary
God is always seeking to use our lives as vessels of his grace, pouring out his love and goodness to a world in need. Like a cup designed to quench thirst, each of us is created with a purpose—to be filled by God and to overflow with his presence to those around us. Yet, so often, we find ourselves making excuses: we’re too busy, too broken, too insignificant, or simply unavailable. But God isn’t looking for perfection; he’s looking for availability. The real question is, what are we making room for in our lives? We easily make space for things we desire—desserts, entertainment, hobbies, even clutter—but do we intentionally make room for God?
Throughout history, God has chosen ordinary people to do extraordinary things simply because they said “yes.” Mary, a young woman with every reason to doubt her qualifications, responded to God’s invitation with humble surrender: “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Her willingness to make room for God changed the course of history. In the same way, we are called to carry the good news of Jesus, not physically as Mary did, but spiritually—letting his message transform us and shine through us.
God’s desire is not just to make us beautiful by forgiving and healing us, but to make us available—to be messengers of hope. The world will only hear the good news if we are willing to go, to speak, and to share. Our stories of transformation, no matter how simple or dramatic, are powerful tools God uses to reach others. No one can argue with your story, and no one else can tell it like you can. Even inviting someone to join you on your spiritual journey—whether to church or into a conversation about faith—can be a life-changing act of making room for God to work.
Ultimately, the same Holy Spirit who empowered Mary is offered to us, to fill us and send us out as witnesses. The invitation is clear: will we make more room for God in our lives? Will we say, like Mary, “Here am I, your servant. May your will be done in me”? When we do, we discover the true purpose and joy of life—being used by God to bring his grace to others.
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Key Takeaways
- Availability Over Ability
God is not searching for the most talented or the most qualified, but for those who are willing to be used. Like the cup in the story, our excuses—whether about our brokenness, busyness, or inadequacy—are not barriers to God, but to ourselves. The greatest act of faith is simply to say “yes” and make ourselves available, trusting that God will fill and use us as he sees fit. [00:29]
- Intentional Space for God
We naturally make room for what we value, whether it’s food, entertainment, or relationships. Yet, the most transformative growth happens when we intentionally carve out space for God—not just in crisis, but in the ordinary rhythms of life. True spiritual vitality comes from proactively inviting God in, rather than waiting for pain to drive us to him. [07:22]
- Your Story is Your Ministry
Every believer has a unique story of God’s work in their life, and sharing that story is one of the most powerful ways to make room for God to move. No one can dispute your personal experience, and God uses your testimony to reach hearts that sermons or arguments cannot. Embracing your story as a gift and a tool for ministry is a vital part of following Jesus. [22:12]
- The Power of Simple Invitations
Inviting someone to join you on your spiritual journey—whether to church or into a conversation about faith—can have a profound impact. These simple acts of hospitality not only open doors for others but also deepen your own walk with God. When you make room for others, you make more room for God to work in and through you. [26:04]
- Empowered by the Holy Spirit for Mission
The same Holy Spirit who overshadowed Mary is promised to every follower of Jesus, empowering us to be witnesses of the good news. This is not a one-time event, but an ongoing invitation to be filled, led, and used by God. The question remains: will you make room for the Holy Spirit to fill you and send you out as a messenger of hope? [28:43]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:29] - The Cup: Excuses and Availability
[01:30] - Recap of the Following Jesus Series
[03:06] - Making Room: What Do We Prioritize?
[07:22] - Pain and the Tendency to Seek God
[09:48] - Mary’s Yes: Making Room for God’s Assignment
[11:51] - Our Assignment: Messengers of Good News
[13:25] - “Beautiful Feet”: Availability Over Appearance
[14:36] - The Cup Revisited: Excuses and Insecurities
[18:08] - Overcoming Insecurity and Busyness
[21:12] - Becoming a Living Sacrifice
[22:12] - The Power of Your Story
[23:23] - Jesus and the Delivered Man: Tell Your Story
[26:04] - The Impact of Simple Invitations
[28:43] - The Holy Spirit’s Empowerment: Then and Now
[29:59] - Will You Make Room? Responding Like Mary
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Making Room for God
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### Bible Reading
Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel visits Mary and tells her she will give birth to Jesus. Mary responds, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”
Romans 10:14-15
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere…”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 1:26-38, what is Mary’s initial reaction to the angel’s message, and how does her response change by the end of the conversation?
2. According to Romans 10:14-15, what steps are necessary for someone to come to faith in Jesus?
3. What does Jesus promise his followers in Acts 1:8, and what is the purpose of that promise?
4. In the sermon, what are some of the excuses the “cup” gives for not being used, and how do these relate to our own lives? [00:29]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose Mary, a young and seemingly unqualified person, for such an important assignment? What does this say about God’s priorities? [09:48]
2. The sermon says, “God isn’t looking for perfection; he’s looking for availability.” How does this challenge the way people often think about serving God? [00:29]
3. According to the sermon, why is sharing your personal story of faith so powerful, even more than a sermon or argument? [22:12]
4. What does it mean to “make room” for God in your life, not just during crisis but in the ordinary, everyday moments? [07:22]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon asks, “What would it take to make more room for God in your life?” If you looked at your schedule, what would it say about your priorities? Is there something you need to change to make more intentional space for God? [03:06]
2. Think about the excuses you might use to avoid being used by God (too busy, too broken, not good enough, etc.). Which excuse do you relate to most, and what would it look like to surrender that to God this week? [18:08]
3. Mary responded to God’s invitation with, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” What would it look like for you to say “yes” to God in a specific area of your life right now? [09:48]
4. The sermon highlights the power of sharing your story. What is one part of your faith journey you could share with someone this week? Who might need to hear it? [22:12]
5. Inviting someone to church or into a spiritual conversation can be a simple but powerful act. Who is one person you could invite to join you on your spiritual journey this month? What’s holding you back? [26:04]
6. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses. Are you open to asking the Holy Spirit to fill you and use you in new ways? What would it look like to pray that prayer this week? [28:43]
7. The sermon says, “When you make room for others, you make more room for God to work in and through you.” How can you make room for others in your life this week—at home, work, or in your neighborhood? [26:04]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, “Lord, here am I. I’m your servant. May your will be done in me. Help me make more room for you in my life.”
Devotional
Day 1: Make Room for God’s Purpose in Your Life
God desires to use each of us, no matter our perceived limitations or excuses, to fill us with His grace and pour out His love to the world around us. Like the cup in the story, we often feel too broken, too busy, or too unworthy to be used by God, but He sees our potential and invites us to make ourselves available for His purpose. When we intentionally create space for God, not just in moments of pain but in the everyday rhythms of life, we open ourselves to His transforming work and discover the true meaning of following Jesus. [07:40]
Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been making excuses or holding back from God’s purpose? What would it look like to say “yes” to Him today, just as Mary did?
Day 2: You Are a Messenger—Carry the Good News
Every follower of Jesus is called to be a messenger, carrying the good news of Christ to a world in need. Just as Mary was chosen to carry Jesus physically, we are chosen to carry His message spiritually, sharing the hope, forgiveness, and new life found in Him. God finds beauty not in our perfection, but in our willingness and availability to be used by Him to reach others with His love. [13:25]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus? How can you make yourself available to be God’s messenger to them this week?
Day 3: Offer Yourself as a Living Sacrifice
God has made you beautiful and useful by forgiving your sins and healing your heart, but He calls you to more than just receiving—He calls you to offer your whole self as a living sacrifice. Instead of letting insecurities, busyness, or feelings of inadequacy keep you from being used by God, choose to say, “Here I am, Lord, use me.” When you surrender your life to Him, you become a vessel through which His grace and love can flow to others. [21:12]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can offer yourself to God today—your time, your talents, or your story—as a living sacrifice for His purposes?
Day 4: The Power of Your Story
Your personal story of transformation is one of the most powerful tools you have to make room for God and impact others. No one can argue with your experience of God’s grace, and sharing your story—whether it’s about salvation, answered prayer, or a lesson learned—can encourage and inspire those around you. Jesus calls us to tell others what He has done for us, and when we do, we not only make room for God in our own lives but invite others to join the journey with Him. [23:23]
Mark 5:19 (ESV)
And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Reflection: Who can you share a part of your story with this week—someone who needs encouragement or hope? What specific part of your journey with God could speak to them?
Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit to Be His Witness
The same Holy Spirit who empowered Mary to carry Jesus empowers us to be witnesses for Christ in our world. Jesus promises that when we make room for the Holy Spirit, we receive power to boldly share His love and truth everywhere we go. The invitation is open: will you make more room for the Holy Spirit in your life, allowing Him to fill you, guide you, and use you as His messenger? [28:43]
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you today, so that you can be a bold witness for Jesus in your everyday life?
Quotes
If you want to follow Jesus you got to make yourself available to be used by him he you can't just like live with the like thank you for making me beautiful part he made you beautiful for a reason to be a messenger to go tell the world how amazing he is. [00:15:45] (16 seconds)
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