Here I am Lord, Send Me

In this message, we're reminded of the transformative power of saying 'yes' to God's call. Through stories of ordinary people like Gladys Alyward, William Wilberforce, Jackie Pullinger, and Brother Andrew we see how simple obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. The central theme of this message revolves around Isaiah's response to God, 'Here I am, Lord, send me,' challenging us to embrace this attitude in our own lives. We're encouraged to recognise that the Holy Spirit equips us beyond human expectations, works through what we already have, and gives us a different perspective on challenges. The story of David and Goliath illustrates how God uses the unlikely and overlooked, empowering them to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

This message invites us to trust God rather than ourselves and to let our obedience become a witness to others, inspiring us to step out in faith and say 'yes' to God's calling in our lives.

Discussion questions:

1. In what ways might God be calling you to say 'Here I am, send me' in your current circumstances, even if it doesn't involve dramatic change?
2. How does the story of David and Goliath challenge our perceptions of qualifications and readiness for God's work?
3. What 'smooth stones' (skills, experiences, or resources) do you have that God might use, even if they seem insignificant?
4. How might your obedience to God's calling, no matter how small, serve as a witness and encouragement to others around you?
5. In what ways can we create a church culture that encourages and celebrates everyday acts of faith and obedience to the Holy Spirit?