When God Calls You
Notes
Transcript
Message Series: Joy in the Desert.
How can joy come out of aloneness, a place of want and need, desperation, discouragement, struggle?
It is often in the place a great need and desperation that we may be in a receptive posture to hear from God.
Moses—prince of Egypt—who now in our story has lost everything—and lives as a nomad in the desert—the wilderness.
Question:
Do you feel you are in a place in your life where it seems your better days are in the past?
Are you facing great challenges right now—and feel alone?
Do you feel God has forgotten you?
2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.
3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”
4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
There is a principle—a theme in Scripture, where it is when a person is alone, and in great need—that God seems to show up. But could it be that it is those times where we are receptive to listening and receiving from God?
For Moses—his life seemed to be in a decline. From prince to a lonely shepherd.
But God called out to him—not in the palace (place of comfort and ease)—but in the desert (place of hardship and pain).
A desperate heart is more apt to listen and respond that one who is comfortable—where needs and wants are easily satisfied.
God has a calling on your life! What He said to Moses He can say to you:
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”
Oftentimes, God will call upon you to serve—not according to your timing—but His.
Are you willing to trust and obey? See, that is where joy flourishes—when we align ourselves with God and His plan for our lives.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
I want to illustrate this in a very dramatic way.
Jon and Marissa
I remember six years ago, when we first met, you shared with me something very important. What was it? (called to be a missionary)
Two events occured to confirm this calling on your life. What was it? (silent prayer retreat and a mission trip to Africa)
What happened in March of this year? (appointed career missionaries with the Assemblies of God)
What does this mean?
Pastor Jon will conclude his ministry as Children’s Pastor on May 31, 2020.
Marissa will say on as Administrative Assistant through at least till August.
Racine Assembly of God will be their home base as they begin training and itineration in June.
We will have a special service and celebration of their ministry when we are able to gather together (possibly in June).
Pray for the Paulsen’s and the Church
Dismissal