Ch5: Intro: Embracing God's Unchangeable Call: The Transformative Power of Saying Yes

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Welcome to today's episode of the Diary of a Black Woman podcast.

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I'm your host, Connie Morris, and I am thrilled to introduce you to a new series

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that we'll explore over the next coming episodes.

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It is based on Chapter 5 of my devotional journey, Gifts of No Return,

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Embracing God's Unchangeable Call.

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This series is about what happens when we say yes to God and how it transforms

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our lives, shapes our purpose,

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and guides us through both the joys and challenges of walking in the will of God.

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We'll dive deep into the lives of biblical figures like Paul, Gideon, and Deborah.

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Exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly of their journeys,

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and discover the incredible power that comes from saying yes to Jesus.

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When we say yes to God, it's not just a one-time decision.

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It's the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.

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So in this series, we'll look at the highs,

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the lows, the triumphs, and the struggles that comes with serving God and how

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his grace carries us through every step of the way.

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So what do we have coming your way?

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Just a quick introduction in a

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world where that in a

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world that's often glorified the often glorified change and constant adaption

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gifts of no return embracing god's unchanging call invites you to discover the

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steadfast and unalterable nature of god's gifts and callings in your life.

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This devotional is a journey into the heart of divine purpose where the immutable

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promises of God meet the ever-changing landscape of our existence.

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Through the powerful narratives of Paul, Gideon, and Deborah,

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we explore how God's call transcends our past, our fears, and societal expectations.

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Their stories are not just historical accounts. They are living testimonies

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of the transformative power of God's call. A call that does not waver.

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It does not diminish or retract, regardless of life circumstances.

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So here's a glimpse of what's coming your way.

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We'll talk about Paul's conversion from prosecutor to the apostle.

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Paul's story is one of radical transformation. He went from being a persecutor

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of Christians to becoming one of the most influential apostles in history.

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His yes to God led to a life of purpose, but also brought trials and challenges that tested his faith.

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We'll explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of Paul's journey and how his

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decision to follow Jesus, how his decision to follow Jesus, get it right, changed everything.

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My question to you is how can we embrace God's call in our lives,

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regardless of where we've been or what we have done?

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So God doesn't look at our past. He doesn't ask us questions about our past.

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But when God calls you, are you ready? Will you say yes?

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God took Paul from persecutor to apostle.

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Where can he take you? We'll look at Gideon's call from fear to faith.

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Gideon's journey is a powerful example of overcoming fear and doubt.

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When God called him, Gideon hesitated, feeling completely unqualified.

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But his yes to God led him to victory against overwhelming odds.

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In this episode, we'll talk about the good,

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the bad, and the ugly of Gideon's story and how saying yes to God often means

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stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting him to equip us for the tasks ahead. head.

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The question for you I have is, what fears are holding you back today?

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And how can you trust God's strength in the face of your doubt?

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We see that Gideon was a little hesitant at first, but yet God was able to take

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his yes and lead him to victory.

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Can God take your yes and lead you to victory.

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And then Deborah, Deborah's leadership, boldness in the face of tradition.

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Deborah was a prophetess and a judge who led with boldness during a time when

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female leadership was unexpected.

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Her yes to God enabled her to guide Israel to victory and to bring God's word to his people.

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We'll discuss the good, the bad,

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and the ugly of Deborah's leadership and how saying yes to God can challenge

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societal norms and lead to powerful leadership that honors him.

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How can you embrace your leadership role, trusting that God has equipped you

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even when it defies cultural norms?

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Yes, God can use you even when it defies cultural norm.

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So if you say, well, I don't fit in any of those.

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And so my next one is recognizing your part. What is our part in the body of Christ?

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So finally, we will explore how saying yes to God involves recognizing and embracing

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our unique role within the body of Christ.

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We'll dive into scriptures like Romans 11, 29 and 1 Corinthians 12,

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which reminds us that God's gifts and callings are irrevocable.

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Each of us has a role to play.

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And our yes to God is crucial to fulfilling his plan.

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And we will cover the good and bad and the ugly of taking on the call of God in our lives.

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So I don't want you to go into saying yes to God blindly.

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I want you to go in knowing what it takes to follow Jesus.

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How do you recognize and embrace your role within the body of Christ?

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What gifts has God placed in you for the good of others?

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So throughout this series, we'll see how God's unchanging call is at work in our lives today.

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Whether you relate to Paul's dramatic conversion, Gideon's overcoming of fear,

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or Deborah's bold leadership, or all of the above, love.

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You'll find encouragement to embrace your own divine calling with confidence.

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Saying yes to God is a journey filled with purpose, growth, challenges,

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and incredible blessings.

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And we won't shy away from discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with all of it.

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So as we journey through this series, reflect on where God might be calling

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you and how you can step into the purpose with faith and boldness.

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And I look forward to seeing you on this journey with the Diary of the Black Woman podcast.

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And this is Connie Morris, and I'll see you in the next episode.