Introduction

Last Sunday, we learned that our mission is much bigger than our occupation. That’s why we cannot just focus on our jobs. We need to discover our mission in life. Our job is what we do to earn a living, but our mission is why we exist in this world. We need to live in view of our mission instead of just living for our occupation. But how do we know our mission? The calling of Abraham gives us a picture or pattern of what a mission from God looks like. Today, we want to look at Genesis 12:1-9 to understand “The Anatomy of A Mission from God.” It has four characteristics:

Four Characteristics of a Mission from God

1. It will require *faith*. (Genesis 12:1-3) – Abraham was commanded by God to leave Haran and go to a place he didn’t know. That was a difficult decision to make. In the same way, God wanted him to bless people he didn’t know and who would later even oppose him. Even though God’s commands have promises attached to them, it would still require great faith to obey. Our mission from God will also be the same.

2. It will involve *others*. (Genesis 12:4-5) – Our mission from God will include other people who are part of our situation in life, whatever that may be, whether we are single or married, have children or not. God has to call them as well. Changing our situation will affect them. Therefore, we cannot disregard their thoughts and feelings about it.

3. It will demand *patience*. (Genesis 12:6-7) – Our mission from God will take time to be clarified and eventually fulfilled. It will demand patience from us. Therefore, we need to develop a personal relationship with the Lord so that He can continue to guide us along the way. We need to wait on Him through worship and prayer each and every day.

4. It will include *ministry*. (Genesis 12:8-9) – Mission and ministry cannot be separated. We are called to proclaim His name wherever we are sent and whatever it is that the Lord might eventually lead us to do. Doing something apart from ministry means that it is not a mission from God that we are doing. We are simply doing what we want. 

Conclusion

1. Central Idea: “Your mission is your *Great* *Commission* from God.”

2. We are called to be someone for God and to do something in His name. Whatever the details of our mission from God, it will have certain characteristics that will reflect His purpose for us in the world.

3. This week, examine what makes you busy. Ask God to help you understand your mission instead and start aligning yourself toward that goal.

Discussion

1. How can we cultivate a similar level of faith in our own lives when faced with uncertainty and challenges in fulfilling our mission from God?

2. How can we consider and include those around us in our mission, especially when it may affect their lives? What are some practical ways to seek their input and support?

3. How can we develop and maintain patience in our journey? Share personal experiences or practices that have helped you wait on God’s timing

4. How can we ensure that our actions and endeavors are aligned with the ministry God has called us to, rather than just pursuing personal goals or desires? What steps can we take to ensure that our mission is truly from God and not driven solely by our own preferences?