Running the Race: Answering the Call to Go

Devotional

Day 1: Go and Make Disciples—The Ongoing Call

Every believer is called to actively participate in the Great Commission, not as a one-time event but as a continual lifestyle. Just as in a relay race, the gospel has been handed to each of us, and we are to run our race faithfully, passing on the message of Christ to others while continuing to live out our faith. This call is not reserved for a select few; it is for everyone who has received the baton of the gospel. The mission is ongoing, and we are to run until we cross the finish line, always ready to hand off the hope we have to someone else. [37:45]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Who in your life right now needs you to share the hope of Jesus with them, and what is one step you can take this week to intentionally reach out?

Day 2: Here I Am, Lord—A Willing Heart

God’s call is not limited by age, experience, or perceived qualifications; He simply asks for a willing heart. Like Isaiah, who responded to God’s question with, “Here I am, send me,” we are invited to say yes to God’s mission, trusting that He will use us in ways we may not expect. The willingness to go—whether across the street or around the world—begins with a posture of surrender and availability, allowing God to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. [01:03:24]

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 fears or excuses have kept you from saying “yes” to God’s call, and how can you offer Him your willingness today?

Day 3: The Mission Field Is Everywhere

The mission field is not confined to distant countries; it is found in our everyday lives—where we live, work, and play. Every interaction is an opportunity to be Jesus to someone, whether it’s through a church program, a community event, or simply loving a neighbor. The impact of our obedience may seem small, like throwing one starfish back into the ocean, but each act of faithfulness matters deeply to God and to those we serve. [01:05:05]

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: Where is your “Jerusalem”—the place God has already put you—and how can you intentionally live out the gospel there this week?

Day 4: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact

God delights in using ordinary people who simply say yes to Him. There is nothing extraordinary about those who go on mission; they are regular people who trust God to work through their willingness. The stories shared by those who have gone reveal that transformation happens not just in those who are served, but also in those who serve. When we step out in faith, God changes lives—including our own. [01:03:24]

1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (ESV)
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

Reflection: In what ways do you feel “ordinary,” and how might God want to use your unique story and gifts to make an impact?

Day 5: Living on “Go”—A Posture of Readiness

To “live on go” means to maintain a posture of readiness, always prepared to respond to God’s call—whether that means serving locally, supporting others, or going to the ends of the earth. It’s about saying, “My answer is yes, Lord,” before even knowing the details. This attitude opens the door for God to use us as His hands, feet, and voice, bringing light and hope wherever He leads. [01:06:35]

Romans 1:16 (ESV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Reflection: What would it look like for you to “live on go” this week—ready and unashamed to be God’s hands, feet, and voice in your community?

Sermon Summary

When we hear the word “go,” it often brings to mind the image of a relay race—athletes running with purpose, passing the baton, and pushing through to the finish line. In the same way, each of us has been handed the baton of the gospel, called to run our own race of faith and to pass on what we’ve received. The Great Commission isn’t just a command for a select few; it’s an invitation for every follower of Jesus to live on mission, both in our everyday lives and to the ends of the earth. As we go—whether across the street or across the globe—we are called to make disciples, to share the hope we’ve found, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we are.

This past year, many from our church stepped out in faith, serving on mission trips locally and internationally. Their stories remind us that God uses ordinary people who simply say “yes” to His call. Fears and feelings of inadequacy are common, but God equips those He sends. The mission field isn’t limited to far-off places; it’s found in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. Every act of obedience, no matter how small, can make an eternal difference—like the boy who threw starfish back into the ocean, one at a time.

We are invited to live with open hands and willing hearts, ready to go wherever God leads. Whether that means serving in our community, supporting others who go, or stepping out into new places, the call is the same: “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Our church’s vision is to reach every time zone with the gospel by 2033, but it starts with each of us saying yes today. As we pray, “Lord, where do you want me to go?” may we be ready to respond, trusting that God will use us to bring hope and light to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. The call to “go” is not reserved for a select few but is the responsibility and privilege of every believer. Each of us has been handed the baton of faith, and we are called to run our race with perseverance, passing on the gospel to others as we go. Our journey is not about arrival but about faithful movement and obedience. [37:45]
2. God delights in using ordinary people who are willing to say “yes.” Feelings of inadequacy or fear are common, but God equips those He calls. The stories shared by mission team members reveal that stepping out in faith often leads to personal transformation and deeper trust in God’s provision. [41:36]
3. The mission field is not limited to distant countries; it begins right where we live, work, and play. Every interaction is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, whether through a conversation with a neighbor or serving in a local outreach. Our daily lives are filled with moments to be salt and light. [65:05]
4. Impact is not measured by the scale of our actions but by our willingness to be faithful in the small things. Like the boy returning starfish to the sea, we may not be able to reach everyone, but we can make a difference for someone. God multiplies our simple acts of obedience for His kingdom purposes. [64:15]
5. The posture God desires is one of readiness and surrender: “Here I am, Lord, send me.” Whether we go ourselves, support others, or serve in our community, the invitation is to live on mission every day. Our answer to God’s call shapes not only our lives but the lives of those we touch. [01:08:20]
** [68:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:45] - The Relay Race of Faith
[38:37] - The Call to Go: Everyone’s Invitation
[41:36] - Overcoming Fears and Inadequacy
[46:39] - Stories of Transformation
[56:44] - How Missions Change Us
[63:24] - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
[64:15] - The Starfish Story: Making a Difference
[65:05] - The Mission Field at Home and Abroad
[66:35] - Go Farther: Responding to the Call
[67:19] - Taking the Next Step: Commitment Cards
[68:20] - Prayer of Surrender
[69:00] - Closing Blessing and Sending Out

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission) — > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

2. Isaiah 6:8
> 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.”

3. Acts 1:8
> 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.

Observation Questions

In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His followers about their mission?
According to the sermon, what does the image of a relay race teach us about our role in sharing the gospel? [[37:45]]
In Isaiah 6:8, what is Isaiah’s response to God’s call, and how does the pastor connect this to our own calling? [[01:03:24]]
The sermon mentions that the mission field is not just far away, but also in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. What examples were given of local mission opportunities? [[01:05:05]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus command all His followers—not just a select few—to “go and make disciples”? What does this say about the responsibility of every believer? [[38:37]]
The pastor says God uses “ordinary people who simply say yes.” Why do you think God delights in using people who feel unqualified or afraid? [[41:36]]
The story of the boy and the starfish was shared in the sermon. What does this story illustrate about the impact of small acts of obedience? [[01:04:15]]
How does the call to “go” challenge the idea that serving God is only for those who travel overseas or have special skills? [[01:05:05]]

Application Questions

The pastor compared our faith journey to a relay race, where we are handed the baton and called to run our race. Who handed you the “baton” of faith, and who might God be asking you to pass it to next? [[37:45]]
Many people feel unqualified or afraid to step out in faith. What are some fears or feelings of inadequacy you have when it comes to sharing your faith or serving others? How might God want to use you anyway? [[41:36]]
The mission field includes our everyday lives—our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. What is one specific place or relationship where you sense God might be calling you to be His hands and feet this week? [[01:05:05]]
The starfish story reminds us that small acts can make a big difference. What is one “small” act of obedience you can do this week to show Christ’s love to someone? [[01:04:15]]
The church’s vision is to reach every time zone with the gospel by 2033, but it starts with each person saying “yes” today. What is one step you can take this month to live more “on mission”—whether that’s serving locally, supporting someone who goes, or praying for missions? [[01:06:35]]
The pastor encouraged everyone to pray, “Lord, where do you want me to go?” Take a moment to pray this prayer. What comes to mind as you listen for God’s answer? [[01:08:20]]
If you have already said “yes” to serving or going, how has that experience changed you? If you haven’t yet, what is holding you back, and what would help you take the next step? [[56:44]]

Sermon Clips

When I think about the Great Commission, where Jesus says, go into the world and make disciples of all nations, I understand that that phrase, the Greek word there, means as you are going or as you continue to go, which puts each one of us in a position that when we were handed the gospel, when we became followers of Christ, the baton was put in our hand, and we are to run the race that's been set out before us. [00:37:16] (30 seconds) #RunTheRaceOfFaith

See, that's what God called the church, both gathered and scattered. He called each one of us into this great race known as the race of faith. [00:37:55] (15 seconds) #CalledToTheGreatRace

I think the one thing that I want you to get is from this group is that we're just regular people. There's nothing extraordinary about any of us. We're just saying yes to Jesus. We're saying I'm willing to go. [01:03:24] (17 seconds) #HereIAmSendMe

For me, I think about Isaiah where after God changes his life, the questions ask, who will go for me? Who will I send? And I can just imagine that Isaiah was jumping up and down going, here I am, Lord, send me. Because of what you did in me, I want to see it happen in other people's lives. [01:03:41] (19 seconds) #OneStarfishAtATime

There's a story that you've probably heard. I've heard it a million times, but it's applicable here today. It's about this little boy who's walking along the shore of the beach and he notices thousands of starfish that have been washed up because of the storm. And as he's walking, he's picking up a starfish and he's throwing it back in the ocean. And he just does it over and over and over. And this man is watching and he looks at the young man and says, you know you're just wasting your time. There's thousands. You can't save them all. To which the little boy picked up another starfish says, no, but I saved this one and threw it back. To me, that's what missions is about. [01:03:59] (46 seconds) #MissionStartsAtHome

But the mission field is in our everyday life. You don't have to go around the world. You can go across the street and help with the mission that we have called Upward Basketball, where we'll have over 2,000 people every week come and you can be Jesus to them. [01:04:46] (19 seconds) #GoWhereYouAreCalled

But yes, you can go outside of our community. You know, the Bible says that we're to be in our Jerusalem, our Judea, our Samaria, the uttermost, which to me says where we live, work, and play, that's where we start. But it doesn't end there. It's wherever we go that we are intentionally living the gospel, loving people to Jesus, being that influence, always being ready to give an account of the hope that's within us. [01:05:05] (27 seconds) #GlobalMission2033

Ultimately, in case you don't know, our prayer is that God will allow us to be in all 36 time zones around the world with a mission partner by 2033. And I believe that because of the uniqueness of our church, the uniqueness of the fact that we have so many people tied in the airline industry, that God is going to allow us to be a part of that. But for that to happen, we all have to say, God, my answers, yes. And we live on go. We're willing to go wherever he's called us to go. [01:06:08] (29 seconds) #WillingToGoAndServe

And here's what I need you to do this week. I need for you to print your name. The last two weeks, it was you between you and God. This one, we're actually going to take these, and I'm going to give them to Pastor Mark and our missions team. And so, they're going to be able to get back in touch with you and help you to figure out where God wants you to go or how you can serve. [01:07:19] (22 seconds) #HereIAmLordSendMe

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