How should we respond when God calls us to a challenging task or mission? The Call Begins – Jonah 1:1 “Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai”. What We Learn from Jonah’s Opening Verse • God initiates; we do not volunteer ourselves. • The call is specific—Jonah, by name, with a clear assignment to Nineveh (v.2). • The call is authoritative—“the word of the LORD,” not a suggestion. Listening Before Acting • Exodus 3:4 – Moses heard his name twice before God spoke mission details. • 1 Samuel 3:10 – Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” • Practical step: quiet the noise; cultivate a life that can detect God’s voice through Scripture. Immediate Obedience over Delayed Negotiation • Matthew 4:20 – “At once they left their nets and followed Him.” • Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I. Send me!” • Delayed obedience is disobedience in slow motion. Trusting God’s Character When the Task Looks Impossible • Jeremiah 32:27 – “I am the LORD… Is anything too difficult for Me?” • Hebrews 13:20-21 – God equips for what He commands. • Our adequacy rests in His sufficiency. Choosing Courage, Not Comfort • Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you.” • Acts 20:24 – Paul valued finishing the task more than preserving his life. • Comfort zones shrink callings; courage expands them. Aligning with God’s Compassionate Heart • 2 Peter 3:9 – He is “patient… not wanting anyone to perish.” • Luke 19:41 – Jesus wept over Jerusalem; mission flows from compassion, not duty alone. • Ask: Do I share God’s grief for the lost I’m sent to? Guardrails to Stay on Course • Psalm 119:105 – Let Scripture steady your path. • Proverbs 27:17 – Seek believers who sharpen obedience. • Ephesians 6:18 – Pray “at all times” for endurance. Summary Take-Aways • Hear—cultivate a listening life. • Hasten—obey without delay. • Hope—trust His enabling power. • Hold fast—choose courage over comfort. • Heart—let God’s compassion fuel the mission. When God calls, His word is clear, His power sufficient, and His purpose redemptive. Our role is joyful, immediate, trusting obedience. |
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