-
Beyond Limits: Embracing The Divine Call To Go Further
Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Jul 21, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Today, I want us to focus on a powerful truth: God’s mercy, our faith, and His divine call for us to step into a new season of going beyond what we’ve known.
A remarkable example of boldness in prayer through Abraham’s intercession for Sodom. Abraham stands before God and asks, “Will You sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” His boldness and persistence reveal a heart aligned with God’s mercy—a heart that believes in the possibility of change and the power of intercession.
This story is not just about Abraham’s negotiation with God but a reflection of God's desire to save and forgive. It reminds us that our prayers and actions can influence divine plans, especially when approached with faith and humility. Today, I believe the Lord is calling us into a fresh season—a divine mandate to go further in outreach, service, and faith.
Biblical Foundation: Abraham’s Boldness in Prayer
Let’s consider Abraham’s approach. He dared to negotiate with God, asking, “If there are fifty righteous, will You spare?” He continued to lower the number, persisting until he reached ten. Abraham’s persistence teaches us that praying boldly and persistently can move the heart of God. It’s a lesson that our faith and intercession matter—God’s mercy is greater than what we see, and He desires to extend it through us.
God’s Heart for Mercy and Justice
God’s heart is full of mercy and justice. His desire is to save the righteous and forgive the wicked. As His children, we are called to partner with Him—through prayer, through acts of kindness, and through outreach. Abraham’s intercession shows us that when we boldly come before God, trusting in His mercy, we can influence His plans. Our role is vital because prayer is a bridge between heaven and earth.
The Divine Call: A New Season of Going
I believe the Lord is speaking to me—and to us—as a church. He’s calling us into a new season—a season to expand our reach, to go further than we’ve gone before. This isn’t merely about adding more activities; it’s about an internal shift—a willingness to trust God for greater impact. It’s an invitation to step out in faith and to embrace a broader vision of what He can do through us.
Personal Illustration:
Let me share a personal story. There was a time I hesitated to step into a new area of ministry. I prayed, seeking God’s guidance, and I felt Him whisper, “There is more I want to do through you—through My church.” It was as if God was asking, “Can we go four Sundays instead of two?” Not just in scheduling, but in our spiritual journey—expanding our outreach, trusting Him for a greater harvest, and embracing a bigger vision of His work through us.
The Vision: Committing to Four Sundays of Going
Today, I want to challenge us: Can we commit to this new season—four Sundays instead of two? Four Sundays of prayer, outreach, service, and evangelism. Four Sundays of trusting God to move in our midst and through us to touch lives, reconcile the lost, and bring hope to our community. This extension is a prophetic sign—a declaration that we are willing to go further in obedience, faith, and love.
Response and Commitment:
Brothers and sisters, this is our moment. Let us respond with hearts open and spirits willing. As Abraham interceded for Sodom, so are we called to intercede and act. The Lord is positioning us for a season of unprecedented opportunity—an open door to see lives transformed and His kingdom advanced.
Closing:
I urge each of us to step into this new season with courage. Beyond our limits, beyond our comfort zone, God is calling us to go further. Let’s trust in His mercy and power, knowing that as we take these steps, His presence will go with us. Together, let’s move forward in faith, embracing this divine mandate to be His hands and feet in our world.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy, Your patience, and Your divine call. We hear Your voice today, urging us to go further—beyond our limits, beyond what we think is possible. Fill us anew with faith and courage. Empower us to reach out, to serve, and to love with greater passion. We dedicate this season to You, trusting that as we step out in obedience, Your power and mercy will be with us every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.