Throughout his message Pastor challenged us to consider what God is calling us to do and what our response will be.
What is a call from God?
What is a call from God?
We see various ways God calls people in the Bible. Abraham we are told in Genesis 12:1 “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.” God spoke to him.
Jacob had a vision of a ladder and then wrestled with God in Genesis 28 and 32. The prophet Ezekiel had a vision in Ezekiel 1 and saw God. 1:28 “Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.”
This seems similar to the Apostle Paul’s encounter with God in Acts 9:4 “And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” In each case God had a specific task or job for the called person to do for Him.
However, they were not told all that would happen or what they were to do but enough to move forward. Abraham was called to go- pack your bags and head out though he did not know where. Jacob was on his way to a new country and needed to remember the God of his father’s while there. Ezekiel was to tell of the wonders of God, avoid discouragement and be God’s prophet, and Paul was called to stop persecuting Jesus and head into town. None of them knew the full scope or trials they would encounter but that God wanted them to go and that He was going to be with them on the journey.
Where is God asking you to go or do?
However, they were not told all that would happen or what they were to do but enough to move forward. Abraham was called to go- pack your bags and head out though he did not know where. Jacob was on his way to a new country and needed to remember the God of his father’s while there. Ezekiel was to tell of the wonders of God, avoid discouragement and be God’s prophet, and Paul was called to stop persecuting Jesus and head into town. None of them knew the full scope or trials they would encounter but that God wanted them to go and that He was going to be with them on the journey.
Where is God asking you to go or do?
As you can see, God does not tell you all that will be done or encountered- where is the trust if we know it all? God wants us walking with Him daily seeking to know and trust Him more fully.
Pastor also spoke of listening for God and to God. The characters I mentioned did not ask for God to speak to them, but when He did they listened. God has a way of getting your attention. It may be in a quiet whisper, a dream or vision, a voice or in answered prayer. God is a God of infinite ways and means; He has the power and resources to reach you. However, He created us with free will and we can choose to ignore His call.
Pastor also spoke of listening for God and to God. The characters I mentioned did not ask for God to speak to them, but when He did they listened. God has a way of getting your attention. It may be in a quiet whisper, a dream or vision, a voice or in answered prayer. God is a God of infinite ways and means; He has the power and resources to reach you. However, He created us with free will and we can choose to ignore His call.
God is persistent and as Job reminds us in Job 42 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” That could mean that God will keep trying or that He will give the job to someone else and you will miss the blessings. If you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you to talk to someone, do something out of the ordinary- listen. IT may be God speaking to you and moving you forward in a new direction.
Once you’ve accepted the calling God has for you, what then?
Once you’ve accepted the calling God has for you, what then?
This is where we really need to listen and follow what God has provided. HE WILL LEAD if He has called. Scripture is clear that when God calls you, He will equip you. Here are some verses to encourage you to walk forward with God:
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” I love that God created us to do good works and walk with Him!
Philippians 2:12-14 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” The good works God has us doing show Him working in us! It is pleasing to Him and a blessing to us.
Titus 2:7-8 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” These verses show us that by doing good work for God, accepting his calling and purpose, it will brings glory to Him and to us.
Hebrews 10:23-24 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” The purpose of good works is not just to please God but to build each other up and engage in doing work for God together.
The one work God has for all of us it to tell others about Jesus. Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” It is an irrevocable calling given to all believers to live a life showing and telling others about Jesus and what He did for us!
Blessings as you listen for God’s call and step out in faith with Him.
Linda
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” I love that God created us to do good works and walk with Him!
Philippians 2:12-14 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” The good works God has us doing show Him working in us! It is pleasing to Him and a blessing to us.
Titus 2:7-8 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” These verses show us that by doing good work for God, accepting his calling and purpose, it will brings glory to Him and to us.
Hebrews 10:23-24 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” The purpose of good works is not just to please God but to build each other up and engage in doing work for God together.
The one work God has for all of us it to tell others about Jesus. Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” It is an irrevocable calling given to all believers to live a life showing and telling others about Jesus and what He did for us!
Blessings as you listen for God’s call and step out in faith with Him.
Linda
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