Being saved to serve God does not mean being spared from life’s hardships, says Pastor Michael Gamaet.
He reminded congregants during a sermon marking World Ambassadors’ Day at Sogavare Memorial Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Port Moresby last week.
Related article: https://www.adventistnaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ambassador-2026-booklet.pdf
Pastor Gamaet, who is stationed at the Gerehu Stage 1 SDA Church, delivered a message centered on faith, perseverance, and purpose, drawing lessons from both historical and biblical accounts to challenge believers to remain steadfast despite difficulties.
He opened with a children’s story about Alexander the Great, highlighting discipline and identity.
In the story, a young soldier caught sleeping on duty faced severe consequences. When questioned, the soldier repeatedly gave his name as Alexander.
The great leader then warned him to either change his name or change his conduct—an illustration, Pastor Gamaet said, of the responsibility that comes with representing a higher calling.
“Live like an ambassador,” he urged, linking the lesson to the day’s theme of spiritual representation.
Building on the sermon topic, Saved to Serve, Pastor Gamaet referenced the writings of Dr. Crystal E. Ward, a PhD holder in Pastoral Counseling from Andrews University, encouraging reflection on life’s expectations versus reality.
“Many dream of success—graduation, careers, marriage, and travel—but what happens when life does not unfold as planned?” he asked. “Would you still trust God?”
Quoting Jeremiah 29:11 and Jeremiah 1:5, he emphasized that God has a purpose for every individual, even when the journey is unclear or difficult.
“God’s plan is not always smooth sailing, but it prepares us for something greater than we can imagine,” he told the audience.
Central to his message was the story of Joseph, whom he described as a young man with big dreams who endured betrayal, hardship, and injustice.
Despite being favored by his father Jacob (Israel) and gifted with a coat of many colors, Joseph was hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery.
“Joseph’s life shows that being saved to serve does not remove trials,” Pastor Gamaet said.
“It is about remaining faithful regardless of circumstances.”
He highlighted Joseph’s integrity in Potiphar’s household, where he resisted temptation and remained committed to God.
“Being saved to serve is not about titles or positions, but about faithfulness,” he added.
Pastor Gamaet also stressed that service is not self-centered but for the benefit of others, noting how Joseph eventually rose to save both Egypt and his own family during famine.
He pointed to Joseph’s act of forgiveness toward his brothers as a model for Christian living.
“This world lacks men and women filled with the Spirit of God,” he said.
“We are called to live pure and holy lives, just like Joseph.”
He called on believers to embrace faithfulness, commitment, and dedication to God, even in the face of hardship, as they carry out their role as spiritual ambassadors.