The Power of Saying Yes: Obedience in Missions

Devotional

Day 1: Say Yes When God Stirs Your Heart

When God stirs your heart, it is an invitation to move, to step out in faith, and to be obedient to His leading. Jesus Himself was moved by compassion when He saw the crowds, and that compassion led Him to action. In the same way, when you sense God prompting you—whether through a sermon, a conversation, or a quiet moment—He is inviting you to participate in His work. Don’t ignore those stirrings; instead, let them propel you to take the next step, however small it may seem. Your obedience in that moment could be the beginning of something miraculous, both in your life and in the lives of others. [07:39]

Matthew 9:36 (ESV)
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Reflection: What is one area where you sense God stirring your heart today, and what is a concrete step you can take in response to that prompting?

Day 2: Obedience Is the Real Hardcore

Obedience to God is not always glamorous or easy, but it is the true mark of a life surrendered to Him. Sometimes, God’s call doesn’t make sense to us, and it may not be what we would have chosen for ourselves. Yet, history is full of ordinary people—like Abraham, Moses, Mary, and the disciples—whose simple “yes” to God changed the world. You don’t have to be extraordinary; you just have to be available and willing to say yes, even when it’s hard or doesn’t fit your expectations. Obedience is the real “hardcore” and the foundation for God’s miracles in and through your life. [05:44]

Genesis 12:1-4 (ESV)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him.

Reflection: Is there an area where you have been resisting God’s leading because it doesn’t make sense or feels uncomfortable? What would it look like to give Him your “yes” today?

Day 3: God Uses What You Already Have

God often begins His work with what is already in your hand—your skills, resources, or even your current job. He asked Moses what was in his hand, used the disciples’ five loaves and two fish, and multiplied the widow’s oil. When you surrender what you have to God, no matter how small or ordinary it seems, He can do more than you could ever imagine. Your obedience in offering what you have is what makes it significant in God’s hands, and it can become the answer to someone else’s prayer or need. [14:35]

Exodus 4:2 (ESV)
The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.”

Reflection: What is one resource, talent, or opportunity you already have that you can offer to God in obedience today?

Day 4: Take the First Step—Don’t Let Fear Stop You

The first step of obedience is often the hardest, especially when fear tries to hold you back. Like standing on the edge before a bungee jump, everything in you may want to retreat, but God calls you to trust Him and take that leap of faith. Fear is temporary, but regret can last a lifetime. Even if you hesitate or feel unqualified, God is not looking for your ability but your availability. When you take that first step, you open the door to experiences and blessings you would have missed otherwise. [21:23]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Reflection: What is one step of faith you have been afraid to take? How can you trust God to help you move forward today?

Day 5: We Say Yes Together—The Power of Unity in Mission

God’s mission is not meant to be carried out alone; it takes the whole church, united in prayer, giving, and going, to reach the world. Just as the early church in Acts grew because everyone was committed, when we each give our “yes” and do our part, miracles happen and lives are changed. Your obedience, combined with the obedience of others, creates a movement that can shift communities and nations. Together, we can accomplish what none of us could do alone, and the gospel will spread farther than we ever imagined. [25:08]

Acts 4:32-33 (ESV)
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

Reflection: Who can you partner with this week—through prayer, giving, or serving—to help advance God’s mission together?

Sermon Summary

Thank you for allowing me to share what God is doing in Vietnam and in my own life. Standing before you today, I am a living testament to God’s grace and mercy—a story that has moved from brokenness to restoration, from hopelessness to dreaming again. Years ago, I asked for prayer simply to be able to dream, and through the faithful prayers of this church, God has restored that ability in me. I am deeply grateful for your partnership in prayer, giving, and going, which is changing lives not only in Vietnam but also in my own journey.

Obedience is the thread that runs through every story of God’s movement. It is not about being extraordinary or especially gifted; it is about saying yes to God, even when it doesn’t make sense. My own path—from Africa to Vietnam—was not what I would have chosen, but I have learned that true courage, the “real hardcore,” is found in obedience. Often, God’s call feels uncomfortable or even impossible, but He is not looking for ability—He is looking for availability. When we say yes, God writes His story through us, just as He did with Abraham, Moses, Mary, and the disciples.

Saying yes begins when God stirs your heart. The stirring is an invitation to move, to step out in faith, whether that means praying, giving, or going. Sometimes, the yes is as simple as sharing a word with someone or telling a story that seems out of place, but God uses our obedience in ways we cannot foresee. I have seen lives transformed in Vietnam because of small acts of obedience—stories of people coming to faith through dreams, through conversations, and through the simple act of showing up.

God always starts with what is already in our hands. Like Moses’ staff, the disciples’ loaves and fish, or the widow’s oil, what we surrender to God becomes supernatural in His hands. Obedience may look small to us, but it is big in God’s kingdom. Whether you are a pastor, a hairstylist, or a student, God wants to use you right where you are.

Taking the first step of obedience can be terrifying—like standing on the edge of a bungee jump. Fear is temporary, but regret is permanent. Even if it takes you 45 minutes on the edge, take that step. Your yes could be the answer to someone else’s prayer, and together, as the body of Christ, we can see the gospel reach every nation, tribe, and tongue. Let us say yes together, until the whole world hears.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience is the real “hardcore” True courage is not found in grand gestures or dramatic callings, but in the daily, sometimes uncomfortable, act of saying yes to God. Obedience often doesn’t make sense in the moment, but it is the foundation upon which God builds His miracles. The greatest regret is not in failing, but in not trusting God more fully when He calls. [05:03]
2. God uses what’s already in your hand God’s pattern is to start with what we already possess—our skills, resources, and opportunities. When we surrender these to Him, He multiplies them beyond our imagination. The ordinary becomes extraordinary in God’s hands, and our small acts of faith can have eternal impact. [13:51]
3. The first step of faith is the hardest Like standing on the edge of a bungee jump, the initial act of obedience is often the most daunting. Fear can paralyze us, but if we take that first step, we open ourselves to experiences and miracles we would otherwise miss. Fear is fleeting, but the regret of not stepping out can last a lifetime. [20:07]
4. Obedience is the seed; God brings the harvest Our role is to plant seeds of obedience—through prayer, giving, and going—while trusting God to bring the growth. Sometimes the fruit takes years to appear, but God is always at work behind the scenes. Our yes today may be the answer to someone’s prayer tomorrow. [24:29]
5. We are called to say yes together The mission of God is not a solo endeavor. When each of us gives our yes, we become part of something much greater than ourselves. The church grows and the gospel spreads when everyone is committed, generous, and courageous. Together, we can carry what none of us could carry alone. [26:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:38] - A Testimony of Restoration
[01:56] - The Power of a Praying Church
[03:11] - Miraculous Growth in Vietnam
[03:50] - The Call to Obedience
[05:03] - Obedience is the Real Hardcore
[07:01] - Saying Yes When God Stirs
[08:53] - The Story of Philip’s Obedience
[10:43] - God’s Timing and Divine Appointments
[12:35] - When Obedience Feels Hard
[13:51] - God Uses What’s in Your Hand
[15:59] - God Uses Ordinary People
[17:13] - The Bungee Jump Metaphor
[20:07] - Taking the First Step of Faith
[22:02] - The Miraculous Work in Vietnam
[24:29] - Obedience is the Seed
[26:25] - Saying Yes Together
[27:38] - University Ministry Breakthrough
[29:26] - Your Generosity Impacts Lives
[30:03] - Here Am I, Send Me

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Saying Yes to God

Bible Reading

Matthew 9:36 (ESV)

> When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Acts 8:26-39 (ESV)

(Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch – read as much as your group has time for)

Exodus 4:1-5 (ESV)

(Moses and his staff)

Observation Questions

In Matthew 9:36, what emotion moved Jesus to action when He saw the crowds?
According to Acts 8, what did Philip do when God told him to leave a place where revival was happening?
In the sermon, what are some examples of “what’s in your hand” that God used for His purposes? ([13:51])
What metaphor did the speaker use to describe the feeling of taking the first step of obedience? ([20:07])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus’ compassion led Him to act, rather than just feel sorry for the crowds? How does this connect to the idea of obedience? ([07:01])
What does Philip’s story in Acts 8 teach us about the importance of saying yes to God, even when it doesn’t make sense? ([09:30])
The sermon says, “God is not looking for ability—He is looking for availability.” What does this mean for ordinary people who don’t feel especially gifted? ([13:15])
The speaker said, “Fear is temporary, but regret is permanent.” How does this idea challenge the way we respond to God’s call? ([20:07])

Application Questions

The speaker shared how she once asked for prayer just to be able to dream again. Is there an area in your life where you feel unable to hope or dream? How can your group pray for you in that area? ([01:16])
Think about a time when you felt God stirring your heart to do something—big or small. Did you say yes or no? What happened as a result? ([07:01])
What is “already in your hand” right now—skills, resources, relationships, or opportunities—that you could surrender to God for Him to use? ([13:51])
The first step of obedience can feel like standing on the edge of a bungee jump. Is there something you sense God is asking you to do that feels scary or uncomfortable? What would it look like to take just one step forward? ([20:07])
The sermon mentioned that sometimes our yes is the answer to someone else’s prayer. Can you think of a time when someone else’s obedience impacted your life? How might your obedience impact someone else? ([13:51])
The speaker said, “We are called to say yes together.” What does it look like for our group or church to say yes to God as a team, not just as individuals? ([26:25])
Is there a specific way you feel God is calling you to pray, give, or go right now? What is one practical step you can take this week to respond? ([24:29])