This morning we read Luke 4:31–37, where Jesus, fresh off a brutal rejection in Nazareth, walks right into another synagogue in Capernaum and keeps preaching. That really struck me—he didn’t let one bad experience shake his calling. And that’s a great reminder for us too. Sometimes we try something for God and it flops. We teach, serve, speak up—and it doesn’t go the way we hoped. But failure doesn’t mean we’re not called. I shared a story about my first sermon (it was rough!) and how, over time, I grew because I didn’t give up. If God has placed something on your heart—whether it’s music, teaching, behind-the-scenes service, or anything else that brings you joy and purpose—keep going, even when it’s hard. You won’t get it perfect, but if you’re walking in your calling, God will meet you there.

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GGood morning! It’s good to be with you on this Monday morning. I hope you had a great weekend and are looking forward to a good week ahead.

As I mentioned last week, this will be a normal week for Rooted. Everything will go out on our regular schedule:

• The email goes out at 6:00 a.m.
• The video and blog post are available at 5:00 a.m.
• The WhatsApp message should arrive shortly after that.

If you’re not part of the WhatsApp group, you can find a link on my blog or in the podcast notes to join and get these directly. The podcast is also scheduled to release by 5:00 a.m. I get it all programmed in early to make it easy for you.

Next week, I’ll be in Oxford preaching at an old-fashioned Methodist camp meeting—my first time participating in one like this. I’m looking forward to it, but I don’t know what the internet situation will be or what my schedule will look like. I might hop on here or there, but plan for no Rooted the week of the 21st. Lord willing, we’ll resume as normal on the 28th.

Today’s Scripture: Luke 4:31–37 Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit

“He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority…” (Luke 4:31–37)

This might be Jesus’ first miracle recorded in Luke, and it’s a powerful one. After being rejected in Nazareth—after nearly being thrown off a cliff, no less—Jesus goes to Capernaum, steps back into the synagogue, and begins teaching again.

Let that sink in: after being rejected, he doesn’t retreat. He doesn’t question his calling. He keeps going.

Don’t Let One Bad Encounter Define Your Calling

One of the notes in the Wesley Study Bible reminded me of this: On Friday, we read how Jesus’ sermon in Nazareth ended with a mob trying to kill him. Today, we see that he doesn’t give up. He goes right back into a synagogue and teaches again.

That struck me. Jesus didn’t quit after one hard moment. And friends, neither should we.

I think back to the first time I ever preached—at Johnston Chapel, my home church. I was preparing to go on a mission trip to Lithuania, and Will Dowling, the pastor at the time, invited me to preach one Sunday night. Let me tell you, it was not good. I’m not trying to be humble or funny—it truly wasn’t a good sermon. It wasn’t well written, well studied, or well delivered. But I was excited and passionate, so I offered it up as a joyful noise!

When I think about some of those early sermons I preached at Boyle or Linton UMC, I sometimes want to send apology notes to those dear people. They were so patient with me.

And yet, they kept showing up, and I kept trying. Over time, I got better. Why? Because I didn’t give up on the calling.

Failure Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Called

Have you ever taken a risk for God and it didn’t go well? Maybe you tried to share your faith… and it fell flat. Maybe you taught a class… and it bombed. Maybe you volunteered… and it felt awkward or went unnoticed.

Anyone who has ever served God has failed. Not just once, but often. Jesus was almost killed after his message in Nazareth. And what did he do? He went right back to preaching.

If you know God has called you to something, don’t let failure stop you.

How Do You Know If You’re Called?

That’s a good question. When I was wrestling with my call to preach, I talked to some mentors at Mississippi College. I believe it was Dr. Bryson who said, “If there’s anything else you can do in life and be happy, then do that. If not, then you’re called to preach.”

That advice stuck with me. Ministry isn’t always joyful or easy. But nothing else gives me the sense of purpose that ministry does.

So what about you? What is it that you do that makes you think, “Yes, this is why I’m here.” Where do you feel the pleasure of God? Maybe it’s:

• Singing or playing music.
• Teaching or working with children.
• Serving behind the scenes—setting up chairs, mopping floors, folding bulletins.
• Delivering meals, visiting the sick, or volunteering with organizations like Shower Power or Habitat for Humanity.
• Working with technology and making things run smoothly.

What is that thing for you? The thing that gives you life, that makes you feel God’s delight?

Keep Going, Even When It’s Hard

It won’t always go well. Sometimes it’ll flop. Sometimes people won’t notice. Sometimes you’ll get discouraged and wonder if it’s worth it. But don’t quit. Don’t stop living into your calling. Because if you stop long enough, you’ll lose the passion for it. And what once gave you life may become something you dread—or worse, forget altogether.

Now, sometimes we do need to take a break. We’ll see later in Luke that Jesus valued rest, solitude, and retreat. That’s holy too.

But never forget: Jesus knew what he was called to do. Even when Nazareth rejected him, he kept preaching. He went to Capernaum, preached again, and cast out a demon. And people were amazed—not just because of the miracle—but because of his authority. Because he kept showing up and doing what he was called to do.

Final Thought

You may not get it perfect. It might not go well every time. But if you’re walking in your calling, God will show up.

So—what are you called to do? Are you doing it? Let’s live it out, friends. That’s where real life is found.

Thanks for being with us today. Tomorrow we’ll look at another miracle that continues this theme of calling, power, and perseverance. We’re getting into the heart of Jesus’ ministry in Luke—and it’s going to be good. Have a great day. See you tomorrow!