In the Bible, the word “call” is used most often, to refer to God’s initiative to bring people to Christ and to participate in His redemptive work. To be called by God is to be chosen by God for certain purposes. When a person is aware of that call and submits self to it, he or she starts living out God’s purposes for his or her life. Every Christian has a calling. We were designed before the foundation of the world to be His workmanship, and glorifying Him as we bring forth the fruits He desires (Eph. 1: 4 – 5). God’s specific call to His service usually begins with a burden for a particular need that relates to the kingdom of God. Some are called to the political arena to promote righteousness in the nations; some are Evangelists, Apostles, Pastors, Prophets, Teachers, Missionaries and lots more.
Jonah was called by God but refused to surrender to that call; instead, he ran the other way. The Lord pursued Jonah until he submitted himself to the call. Knowing of Jonah’s disobedience beforehand, God had already prepared a great fish to swallow him and spit him out when he was humbled enough to repent (Jonah 1 & 2). After Jonah was back on dry land, the word of the Lord came to him again with the same call, giving him another chance to obey. This time, Jonah did. God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things aright.
When God called Moses to approach Pharaoh and insisted that he set the nation of Israel free from slavery, Moses was full of arguments. His questions were, Who am I? What shall I say? What if they do not believe me? But Moses wasn’t the only one who doubted God’s call; many who were chosen to do hard things questioned the Lord, argued with him, and even ran away.
Gideon doubted God’s call to deliver Israel from the Midianites, insisting he was the least of the least. Jeremiah argued with God’s direction, stating he was only a youth and could not speak to the rebellious nation of Israel. God’s calls require that we move out of our comfort zones into the unknown. Please don’t wrestle with His assignment.
We too might doubt our abilities against God’s abilities when called by Him, but by His Spirit, we will be given exactly what we need at the exact time we need it. Just as the Lord assured Gideon, Jonah, Moses and Jeremiah, He still assures us that He will put the words in our mouths and the tools in our hands to accomplish the work He has begun in us.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to obey you totally and completely, never to argue with you.
(revmrspatienceudenyi@hopealivechurch)