Answering God's Call
What is a calling? Many people live each day just for the moment. Is it possible to be so busy that we miss out on what eternally matters? Most ask, “How will I die” but the better question is, “How will I LIVE until I die.” Living the safest life possible is not the goal of following Christ. I love the story of Isaiah. If you haven't read the book of Isaiah, I urge you to check it out! Although he was a leader in a dark time during Israel's history, he stepped up to God's call. The story in Isaiah 6 explains his experience with God in the temple. Isaiah was awakened to the holiness of God. He realized that God was on His throne despite the pain of life. Isaiah was humbled by God's presence and responded.
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8
Up to this point, Isaiah had not heard the voice of God. Why does God ask the question? He did not create robots. He could have created us as robots. God is waiting for hearts who are ready to serve Him!
How do we answer God’s Call?
1. Trust Christ (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
God’s will is found when we decide to be courageous about following Jesus. Isaiah heard God’s voice once and trusted Him! If you lose your life in Christ you will find it. Trusting Jesus is the first step to understand all of life. If priorities are not solely based upon a relationship with Jesus, you will become distracted with the cares of the world and not the heartbeat of eternity.
2. Listen. God is doing something in you so that He can do something through you. We must abide in Him. Obeying God's call is a daily surrender of self. It is listening and being sensitive to His leading in our lives.
3. Be Available. “Here am I...Send me!” We are plan A, God does not have a plan B. If you lose your life in Christ you will find it. A servant asks, “What can I do for others?” instead of “What can they do for me? Being comfortable is a cancer that consumes a passion for God. Whenever I become fearful I remember these words from God:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Answering the call is by saying “yes” to whatever God says. It is to surrender control of your life to the call of God. Sometimes the road seems uncertain but we serve a God who leads us through every step of the way. May we all be courageous about fulfilling God's call on our lives!