Often when we think about God’s calling, we think of professional ministers. We harbour this misconception that God “calls” only ministers. The other common mistake we make is waiting for that “lightning bolt” experience that will show us God’s calling for our lives. More often than not, God gives us only a small piece of the map at a time. Look at God’s calling to Abraham in Genesis.
Genesis 12:1 (NLT) Then the LORD told Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.”
Notice the call is “leave your country,” and observe that the yet to be seen calling is “the land I will show you.” God does not say to Abraham “leave your country and come to Canaan, where I will make you the father of a great nation.” God simply says, “leave, then I will show you.” My paraphrase of this verse is, “Abraham, first trust Me, then I will show you where your calling is leading you.”
God’s call
I believe God uses many different callings throughout our lives to guide us along our journeys. I agree there is usually a “big picture” calling for people, but God still uses prompting and other callings along the way to help us stay the course. In other words, the “big picture” calling may be for you to be a teacher, and the other callings are used to guide you along the way to fully develop you into the teacher God has planned for you to be.
When did God first begin dealing with you? He started before the beginning of time. Look at the following verse:
Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT) Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
1 Corinthians 1:9 (NLT) God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
John 3:16 (NKJ) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
What is God’s call in your life?
Some characteristics of God’s callings (I’m sure there are more) are:
In the First Person
Have Clear Direction
Authoritative Commands
Great Promise
Create Change
Will you answer God’s call?
I really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word. When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer. There’s nothing that’s too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!
You’re important to God, and you’re important to us at www.faithministries.com.au. When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you. So whatever you’re concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.faithministries.com.au/contact/
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