SEND FORTH

"For the love of Christ controls and compels us."

The call of God for each one of us here today is to shift our focus from ME, MYSELF, AND I. This self-centered mindset can often lead to feelings of depression and lack of motivation. But when we choose to live as a living sacrifice, living for God and others, He promises to take care of us and our families. We no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died and was raised to live. How does this apply to your everyday life? Answering God's call brings the support of Heaven into your life, providing guidance and strength in your life.

2 Corinthians 5:17:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away. Behold, new things have come."

There is a divine summons on your life, a unique calling from Heaven: to remember your purpose, to be rejuvenated by God's love, and ultimately, to be propelled forward in your specific mission.

The first call is to restoration of the love of God:

John 21:15

"When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said to Him, 'You know that I love You.' 'Feed My lambs,' He told him."

Jesus was restoring the mistake Peter made when he denied Him three times. Jesus was healing the wound of accusation and condemnation that Peter carried. Without this restoration, Peter could not be sent forth; his past was holding him back. Your first restoration is, by grace, a call to repentance. Like Peter, you must repent and commit to loving God first. Seek the Kingdom of God first, and all other things will be added to you. Jesus restored Peter's first denial by ensuring that Peter's love for God was a commitment from his mind and will. If you doubt God's love, it will be challenging to fulfill His call. Jesus reassures you of His love, letting you know there is nothing you can do to stop Him from loving you. He calls you to feed His lambs, give hope to those who are lost, and love new believers.

The Second call is a restoration of your Calling

John 21:16

"A second time He asked him, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said to Him, 'You know that I love You.' 'Shepherd My sheep,' He told him."

Jesus questioned Peter again, as every believer must evaluate their life. Life situations had diverted Peter's calling. Jesus restored him by commanding him to shepherd His sheep. Many people stop at the first restoration, but Jesus is calling you to return to your first love and the fire you had when you first received Him as your Savior. This call is for those who have backsliding. The Lord Recalls you. He will restore the vision He has had for your life from the beginning.

The Third call is a Restoration of the Will, Mind, and Emotions

John 21:17

"He asked him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me?' Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, 'Do you love Me?' He said, 'Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.' 'Feed My sheep,' Jesus said. 'I assure you: When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.'"

Peter realized what Jesus was doing, and his mind went back to the time he failed to answer the call. We must come to a complete surrender to answer the call of God. Surrender your mind: allow God to take over your thoughts and fill them with heavenly things. There is a recall on your mind to give you the mind of Christ.

There is a recall on your will. God never intended for you to follow your own will, which may be the reason for a lack of purpose. Jesus’ direction was always, "Not my will, but Your will be done." You are recalled to surrender your will to God’s will for your life.

There is a recall from Heaven on your emotions. One day, you’re loving God; the next, you’re loving the world. One day, you want to be used by God; the next, you don’t want to pursue God's purpose. There is a recall from Heaven to change your emotions to faith. It’s not about what you feel but about what He said in His Word. He declares that you are more than a conqueror!

If you are willing to return to the heart of worship, there is a recall with your name on it. A product with a recall unless it returns to the factory of origin. You will receive like Peter if you are willing to answer the recall from Heaven. Say a prayer: "God, here I am! Fix the deviations in my life, align me to Your will, restore my calling, and restore my mind, will, and emotions in Jesus' name."