Where You’ve Come From Isn’t Where You’re Going
Summary
Pastor Adrian delivered a Christmas Day message focusing on Mary's response to God's call, emphasizing that where we come from isn't where we're going. Using Mary as an example of someone from humble beginnings who was chosen for God's extraordinary plan, he challenged the congregation to believe that God has greater plans for their lives than they can imagine. The sermon highlighted two key attitudes Mary demonstrated: humble availability ("I am the Lord's servant") and hopeful assurance ("May everything you have said about me come true"). Adrian emphasized that God doesn't look for our ability first, but our availability, and that through the Holy Spirit's power and God's unfailing word, He can transform our lives and use us for His purposes regardless of our background or circumstances.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we gather together on this Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we come together in this small group, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be humble and available to Your Spirit, just as Mary was. Remove any distractions or preoccupations from our minds and help us to focus on You and Your word. We pray that through our discussion today, You would speak to each of us individually and collectively, showing us Your greater plans for our lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's one Christmas tradition from your childhood that you still enjoy or remember fondly today?
Key Verses
Luke 1:26-38
Questions
Mary was just a teenage girl from a small, unknown village, yet God chose her for His extraordinary plan. How does this challenge our assumptions about who God uses and why?
Pastor Adrian said 'God doesn't look for your ability first, He's looking for your availability.' What's the difference between these two, and why do you think availability matters more to God?
Mary responded with 'I am the Lord's servant' - demonstrating humble availability. What are some practical ways we can cultivate this attitude of humble availability in our daily lives?
The second part of Mary's response was 'May everything you have said about me come true' - showing hopeful assurance. What makes it difficult sometimes to have this kind of confident faith in God's promises?
The angel told Mary that 'the Holy Spirit will come upon you.' How does understanding that the Holy Spirit dwells within us change our perspective on what God can do through our lives?
Pastor Adrian emphasized that 'the word of God will never fail.' Can you share about a time when you've seen God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, even when circumstances seemed impossible?
The message stated that 'where you've come from isn't where you're going.' What are some limiting beliefs about our past or background that might prevent us from embracing God's greater plans for our future?
Mary's calling involved risk and potential ridicule from others. How can we prepare ourselves to step into God's plans even when they might be misunderstood or criticized by those around us?
Life Application
This week, spend time in prayer asking God to reveal His plans for your life. Practice both humble availability by telling God 'I am Your servant' and hopeful assurance by declaring 'May everything You have said about me come true.' Choose one specific area where you've been limiting God based on your past or circumstances, and surrender that area to Him, believing that He has greater plans than you can imagine.
Key Takeaways
Where you've come from isn't where you're going - God has greater plans for your life than you can imagine
God looks for availability before ability - He wants our hearts surrendered to Him more than our talents
We need both humble availability ('I am the Lord's servant') and hopeful assurance ('May everything you have said come true')
The Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill God's plans - we don't accomplish them in our own strength
The word of God will never fail - His promises are reliable even when circumstances seem impossible
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Mary and her heart of surrender and faith. As we leave this time together, help us to carry these truths with us throughout this week. Give us the courage to say 'I am Your servant' in every area of our lives, and the faith to believe that Your word will never fail. Holy Spirit, empower us to step into the greater plans You have for us, knowing that where we've come from isn't where we're going. Transform our hearts and use us for Your glory, just as You used a simple village girl to bring Your Son into the world. May we be people of humble availability and hopeful assurance. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.