Before we start today's message,
Stand with me and hold up your Bible.
Repeat after me.
"Lord. You are welcome in this place.
Called, Chosen, and Commissioned – Embracing God’s Unlikely Choices
1 Samuel 10:21-35
In 1 Samuel 10, God calls an unlikely man, Saul, to be Israel's first king. Saul, from the smallest and least significant of tribes, never expected such a calling. He was just going about his business, but God saw something in Saul that he didn't see in himself. Today, maybe God is calling some of us to step into a role, a purpose, or a calling we’ve never imagined.
This story invites us to ask, “What might God be calling me to do?” It challenges us to see our own limitations through the lens of God’s limitless power. As we walk through this message, I pray that each of us would open our hearts to hear His call, to be willing, and to respond in faith.
1. God Sees What Others Miss (1 Samuel 10:21-24)
Israel wanted a king, someone powerful and strong, someone to lead them like the kings of other nations. But God chose Saul, a man who saw himself as insignificant. God’s selection might seem surprising, but He sees beyond our circumstances, and His vision extends to our future potential.
Think about how God called Moses, a man who stuttered, to speak before Pharaoh. Or David, a shepherd boy, to defeat Goliath and eventually rule Israel. God consistently chooses people who seem unlikely in the eyes of the world because His power is made perfect in our weakness.
God is calling us not because of who we are but because of who He is. Maybe God is calling you to a role, a conversation, or a ministry, and it feels overwhelming. God sees more in you than you see in yourself – can you trust Him to lead?
Are you open to seeing yourself the way God sees you? Are you willing to step into roles where you must rely fully on His strength?
2. Obedience Over Comfort (1 Samuel 10:25-27)
After Saul’s anointing, he doesn't boast or try to prove himself; instead, he returns to his ordinary life, humble and waiting on God.
But criticism soon comes – people ask, “Can this man save us?” In his silence, Saul demonstrates his trust in God to reveal His purpose in time.
Obedience often requires us to move out of our comfort zone and trust God’s timing, even when it means facing criticism or doubt from others. Saul’s silence here speaks volumes about faith and surrender.
Sometimes, like Saul, we’re called to wait patiently in God’s promise, even if it doesn’t make sense to those around us. When we trust God fully, we become willing to let Him work through us, however He chooses. He doesn’t call us to comfort; He calls us to faith.
God may be asking you to obey, even if the path isn’t clear. Maybe He’s leading you to a decision, a mission, or an area of service that feels uncomfortable. Can you trust that He has a plan and that He will be with you every step of the way?
How do you respond when your obedience is challenged by discomfort or doubt?
Are you willing to trust God’s plan, even if others question it?
3. Empowered by the Spirit and Strengthened in Community (1 Samuel 10:26-27)
Saul’s journey isn’t one he walks alone.
God sends “mighty men whose hearts He had touched” to support him. This is a crucial reminder that God doesn’t just call us and leave us; He surrounds us with others who are prepared to stand with us.
The disciples were called and commissioned by Jesus, but they weren’t left alone – they were given each other, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and united by a common purpose. Just like Saul, each of us is given a family of believers to encourage, support, and uplift us.
Who has God placed in your life to support you? Are you leaning into this community, or are you trying to go it alone? Embracing God’s call also means embracing His provision – the people and resources He provides.
Who has God called to journey alongside you in faith? Are you open to receiving their support, encouragement, and wisdom?
We are called to Embrace God’s Purpose Together
As we stand before God today, I believe some of you are feeling a stirring in your heart – a sense that God is calling you to something beyond what you have known. Like Saul, you may feel unworthy, uncertain, or fearful. But know this: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He will equip you, strengthen you, and surround you with everything you need.
If you’re here today feeling like God can’t use you, come forward. Let’s pray for courage, for boldness, and for the faith to see yourself as God sees you.
Maybe you’re struggling with doubt or facing resistance. God wants to remind you that He is your strength and that He will see you through. Come, and let us pray for a steadfast heart.
If you feel alone in your journey, come forward. Let’s pray together for meaningful connections, for support, and for the joy of journeying alongside other believers.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, you see the potential in us that we don’t see in ourselves.
You know our fears, our doubts, and our hesitations, but You call us anyway. We pray that You would give us the courage to respond to Your call, the patience to trust Your timing, and the openness to accept the help of others.
Fill us with Your Spirit, Lord, and send us out as Your chosen people, called to serve, love, and transform the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
