Scripture References
- Psalm 86:1-10 - read aloud and used as the focal prayer passage that frames the message (prayer, humility, trust, God’s uniqueness, call to worship).
Central Message
God calls ordinary, reluctant people to speak and serve; obedience often brings opposition and cost, but listening and trusting God leads to growth, deliverance, and fruit for others.
Key Points
1. Biblical examples of reluctance: Jeremiah and Moses resisted God’s call, expressing fear and inadequacy, yet God equips and insists: “have faith in me and I’ll do it.”
2. Personal testimony: speaker’s own reluctance to serve (preschool → high‑school teacher) and how saying “yes” led to meaningful ministry despite intimidation.
3. The cost of obedience: prophets, disciples, and apostles faced opposition, rejection, suffering, and even death for speaking truth (Jesus’ warning to the disciples).
4. Trust vs. shortcuts: Sarah tried to force God’s promise (Hagar/Ismael) instead of trusting, producing complicated consequences — a call to patient faith.
5. Witness of persistent obedience: a man walking with a large cross publicly demonstrates turning pain into a testimony and living faithfully in recovery.
6. Five takeaways from the Psalm: humility before God, trust in God’s mercy, continual prayer, God’s uniqueness, and the call for all nations to worship.
Notable Quotes
"Have faith in me and I’ll do it."
"This is my cross to bear. This is what is helping me to lead a healthy and faithful life."
"Truth telling will bring opposition. Faithfulness is costly — suffering, rejection, danger. But God is with you."
Application
- Listen for God’s voice about what He wants you to do; don’t assume others are more qualified — God often uses the reluctant.
- Say yes to small calls of service (teach, listen, be present) even when intimidated; trust God to equip you.
- Expect opposition when speaking truth; prepare to persevere and rely on God’s presence and deliverance.
- Choose trust over quick fixes; avoid taking matters into your own hands when God’s timing is promised.
- Learn and share others’ stories of faith (recovery testimonies, public witness) to encourage and destigmatize struggles.
Prayer Points
- Prayers for mercy, help, and deliverance when we are poor, needy, or in distress (themes drawn from Psalm 86).
- For faith to trust God’s promises and patience in waiting rather than taking shortcuts.
- Strength and perseverance for those facing rejection, hostility, or danger for their faith.
- Gratitude for God’s goodness and the desire for all nations to honor and worship the Lord.
Reflection Questions
1. When have you felt reluctant like Jeremiah or Moses to obey God — what held you back?
2. What “small yes” might God be asking of you now that you can trust Him to equip you for?
3. Have you ever chosen a shortcut (like Sarah) instead of waiting on God? What were the results?
4. How do you respond when truth brings opposition — do you withdraw, argue, or persevere in faith?
5. Whose testimony (in your community) reminds you that carrying a cross can become a life of healing and faithful witness?