God has called us out of darkness, and we have a choice to respond to Him with a life of willing service. You don't need a platform or a microphone to serve the Lord. You need a heart surrendered to Him.
At Kingdom Builders, Sarah and Josh Knight shared what Scripture teaches about choosing to serve and answering God's call. Their messages began with a woman Jesus healed and continued with the lives of people who said yes to Him.
Worship and Dependence on God
Pastor Terry Taylor shared an original song about bringing our burdens to the Lord. Its words spoke of God's peace, His strength in our weakness, and His faithfulness as the anchor of our heart.
We also worshiped with songs declaring that the battle belongs to the Lord. As we prayed, we asked God to reach lost loved ones and open our hearts to His Word.
After singing "I Need Thee," Pastor Terry spoke about recognizing his need for God more as he grew older. He also shared what he had heard a Christian brain surgeon say about our thoughts and the importance of meditating on God's Word.
Pastor Terry reflected on God's creation, too. While watching images of ocean creatures and outer space, he was amazed by the colors and the variety of things God has made. The Creator of it all is worthy of our praise.
Remember the Faith of Our Leaders
Sarah began by honoring the pastors and leaders in our Kingdom Builders class. Their lives and their faith give us an example to learn from.
In Hebrews 13:7, we are told to remember those who have spoken God's Word to us, consider the outcome of their lives, and imitate their faith. Sarah shared her desire to receive the wisdom of our leaders and follow their example as they follow Christ.
Jesus Healed Her, and She Served
In Matthew 8:14-15, Jesus entered Peter's house and saw Peter's mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she arose and served them.
Sarah pointed out that this was a serious sickness. Luke 4:38 describes it as a high fever. The Greek word for fever, puressō, carries the meaning of being on fire.
Jesus saw her, touched her, and healed her. Her response was to rise and serve. The healing wasn't the end of her story. She used the life Jesus had restored to serve Him.
Your Testimony Can Help Someone Else
Sarah spoke about the fires people face. Job lost his children, his health, and his wealth. Joseph was betrayed by his family. David was pursued by the king he had served. Naomi lost her husband and sons, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace.
Our experiences are different, but God doesn't lose sight of His people. When He brings us through a trial, our testimony can tell others what He has done.
Someone needs to hear that God heals, that He breaks the chains of alcoholism, and that He provides when we have reached the end of our own ability. Someone needs hope for a son or daughter who has wandered away.
We may feel shame or regret when we remember difficult parts of our past. Yet our testimony can point beyond what happened to us and give glory to the Lord who carried us through.
Service Doesn’t Require a Platform
Peter's mother-in-law didn't stand before a crowd with a microphone. Scripture records her response: she arose and served.
Service can mean praying for the person beside you or encouraging someone who is going through a hard time. Sarah also recognized Eugene and Tanya, who clean and disinfect the classroom before others arrive.
That is faithful service behind the scenes. The Lord sees the work, and He sees the heart that willingly offers it to Him.
God Calls His People to Serve
Josh continued with the truth that every one of us has been called to serve the Lord. Scripture gives us example after example of people who answered God's call.
Jesus called Peter and Andrew as they were fishing and told them to follow Him. He would make them fishers of men (Matthew 4:18-19). God sent Moses to Pharaoh to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10).
In 1 Samuel 3, young Samuel learned to listen and answer the Lord. Later, Samuel anointed David as Israel's next king (1 Samuel 16:13).
These people answered God's call and served Him. Without the Lord we can do nothing, but with God nothing is impossible.
Called Out of Darkness
1 Peter 2:9 describes God's people as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
If you're unsure of your calling, remember that God has called you out of darkness. Jesus went to the cross and broke the bondage of sin. He has made a way for us to live in freedom and serve Him.
Josh described the difference between a slave who is bound and a servant who willingly chooses to serve. Our service to the Lord is an expression of commitment, devotion, and love.
Servanthood is surrendering. We surrender our will to God and choose to reflect Jesus in the world, on the good days and on the hard days.
Listen for the Lord’s Direction
Josh and Sarah visited St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Their guide spoke about Peter's tomb beneath the altar and described Peter as a servant of Jesus Christ. Josh reflected on Peter's life, a fisherman who heard Jesus say, "Follow Me," and answered His call.
That is a calling worth giving our lives to: being servants of Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 16:9 says that a person's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. As we seek God's direction, we must keep reading His Word, keep praying, and listen for His voice. Our teaching on surrender, prayer, and Spirit-filled living continues that call to yield ourselves to Him.
Pray for Leaders and Serve at Home
Josh invited our church family to gather around our pastors and pray for them. We prayed for protection, peace, and strength, recognizing that ministry has both joyful days and difficult days. During that time, we worshiped with "Give Myself Away."
Pastor Terry also reminded us that service begins at home. Taking a spouse to a doctor's appointment or preparing dinner after a long workday can be an act of love and service.
That same care reaches into our church family. Time alone with God is precious, including time spent in His creation, but we also need one another. Our life and service in the local church give us the chance to care for our brothers and sisters.
Give the Lord Your Yes
Jesus saw Peter's mother-in-law in her need, and she responded to His healing by serving. We, too, have a choice in how we respond to what the Lord has done for us.
Our testimony, our prayers, and our service can point others to Him. Let us give the Lord our willing yes and serve Him with the lives He has given us.
