Barbra Gentry-Pugh

The Heartbeat of Being Available For Service

September 29, 2024

“Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 (NASB)

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 (NASB)

Why is serving God so important? What are some reasons we might struggle with making ourselves fully available to Him?

Yesterday, I had the awesome privilege of attending the Celebration of Hope Cancer Care Ministry Banquet at Kadesh Baptist Church in Detroit. I was invited by a dear sister in Christ, Shalyn Fuller, the ministry leader, who did an amazingly blessed job. It was a joy to support her, as I’ve had the opportunity to serve as her liaison for her biblical counseling course at my church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

As I sat at the banquet, I was reminded of the fragility of life. Watching them honor those whose lives had succumbed to cancer brought into sharp focus the fleeting nature of our time here. It made me reflect deeply on my own service to God, realizing once again that we can only truly own the moment we are in, for we do not know what lies ahead.

Have you ever felt that God was asking something of you, but you hesitated, and the opportunity slipped away, like a fleeting moment no longer available? This reminds me of Kairos Moments—those divinely appointed times when it is God’s moment to act in our lives. A Kairos Moment is a decisive moment when God gives us the opportunity to respond to Him. It is a precise moment designed for essential growth, incredible transformation, and service.

Often, God works behind the scenes of our lives, interrupting the pace of our day to capture our attention. This is a defining, favorable moment within time when God moves, and we are called to respond. When we do, it positions us for life-changing transformation, leading us closer to our purpose and destiny.

How Do We Let God Know That We Are Available For His Use?

Our obedient response to God’s Word shows Him we are available to Him.

Genesis 22:1. Sometime later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”

Exodus 3:4. When the Lord saw that he had caught Moses’ attention, God called to him from the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied.

1 Samuel 3:10. The Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Yes, your servant is listening.”

Isaiah 6:8. Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?” And I said, “Lord, I’ll go! Send me.”

Our desire for His will to be done shows our availability to Him. It demonstrates that His way is more important than ours.

1 Kings 8:23. He prayed, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will.”

Psalm 40:8. I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your law is written on my heart.

Mark 14:36. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.”

The way we live shows our readiness to be used by God.

2 Timothy 2:21. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. How we grow in Him and mature shows our readiness to be His person.

James 1:2-4. Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

Serving Him faithfully and responsibly enables us to be used by Him more and more.

Luke 19:17, 26. “Well done!” the king exclaimed. “You are a trustworthy servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.” “Yes,” the king replied, “but to those who use well, what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away.”

What Obstacles That Keep Us From Being Available For Service?

Busyness: Luke 10:38-42 – Story of Martha and Mary. Are we too busy, like Martha, to sit and listen to God’s call?
Fear or Feelings of Inadequacy: Moses doubted his ability, Exodus 4:10-12, but God reassured him He would be with him.
Self-Doubt: Gideon in Judges 6:15-16 felt unqualified, yet God equipped him.
Comfort and Convenience: Sometimes, we prefer comfort over obedience, as seen in Jonah’s initial reluctance, Jonah 1:3.

What Are The Blessings of Being Available For Service?

Growing Closer to God: When we are available, we experience God more deeply in our daily walk, James 4:8.
Being Part of His Kingdom Work: Like Esther, we are placed in situations “for such a time as this,” Esther 4:14.
Impact on Others: When we say “yes” to God, we can become instruments for transformation in the lives of others, 2 Timothy 2:21.

What Are The Steps to Being Available?

Listen: Spend time in prayer and meditation, asking God where He needs you, 1 Samuel 3:9-10.
Surrender: Trust that God’s plan is greater than your own, Proverbs 3:5-6.
Obey: Take steps of faith, even if you don’t have all the answers, Hebrews 11:8.
Stay Ready: Cultivate an attitude of readiness, expecting God to use you in everyday moments, 2 Timothy 4:2.

HEART CHALLENGE: Questions for Reflection:

~ What are some ways God might be calling you to be available in your current season of life?

~What are some obstacles you need to overcome to make yourself more available for God’s use?

~How can you take one step this week to position yourself to be used by God?

Availability for service is about the heart. It’s not about being perfect, but about being willing. God desires to use those who are open and ready to respond. How can you take one step this week to position yourself to be used by God? Do you have the willingness like Isaiah to be used by God? Can you say like Isaiah “Here I Am, Lord, I am available for Your use?” Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” Being available means answering God’s call, even when the path isn’t fully clear! Reflect on areas in their life where they can say “yes” to God this week.

AN AVAILABLE HEART: In Acts 9:15 the Apostle Paul is a great example. He turned his life completely around to serve Christ God calls ordinary people, often when they least expect it, to fulfill extraordinary purposes. It’s about willingness, not perfection.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word that provides us with clear instructions on how we can best serve You. Please open hearts and minds to hear His voice and be ready to respond to Your call, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.