“When God Calls”

Connecting with people has taken on a new meaning these days — there are just too many options available …

My mind wanders what would have happened if Noah had set the “out-of-office” greeting when GOD called upon him to start building the ark for him and his family to receive protection from GOD during the flood (Genesis 6). Or if Samuel had hit the “do not disturb” setting on his hearing when he went to bed the night GOD called his name (1 Samuel 3). Nineveh would have been destroyed if Jonah’s spirit was programmed on “call forwarding” after he had been swallowed by the whale (Jonah 3).

When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. Exodus 3:4 NLT

What draws me in with this verse is that the Lord waited for Moses to respond to His action — the non-consuming burning bush. GOD was silent up to this point; He just wanted to get Moses’ attention, or at least see if Moses would answer with curiosity. Of course, GOD being omniscient, He knew what would follow.

But stay with me for a little bit here, Sister, and take notice of the fact that Scripture accounts for GOD taking the second step after He sees that Moses puts the priority on pursuing this divine phenomenon. It’s not until Moses realigns his agenda of tending to his sheep (his daily routine) and follows after GOD’S signal to him that GOD then speaks directly to him from the middle of the bush. He calls Moses by name. And Moses answers.

It isn’t necessary for the King of Kings to make His Voice audible to us in order for His Will in our lives to be made known. We have His written Word (the Bible), the life of Jesus (also detailed in the Bible), sermons from the pulpit, godly friends and family members who are Christ-followers, certain circumstances and conditions in our lives — all of which contribute to discerning GOD’s specific calling for us. So whether we hear His Voice audibly (I won’t doubt that He does this — I can personally attest to this experience) or hear Him speaking to our spirit, the fact remains, He does call us to fulfill our purpose on this earth.

So the question is: “When GOD calls you, does He get your voice mail? Or maybe His Call gets deleted?”

Before any of the real activity begins and we have any clue of the outcome, we are faced with the faith question that will reveal if we’re IN or if we’re going to pass on this one. After all, faith is walking without a road map.

But we live by faith, not by what we see. 2 Corinthians 5:7 CEV

For we live by believing and not by seeing. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT

The path we walk is charted by faith, not by what we see with our eyes. 2 Corinthians 5:7 VOICE

It’s not until we reach our destination do we have the opportunity to look back at the journey and appreciate that we followed-through on answering GOD’s Call. And I can almost tell you with certainty that it’s not going to be a dressed rehearsal — it’s the real deal with a final cut. Bloopers and all. You are not signing up to be the understudy — you are called to fulfill your role — your purpose.

The beauty of this whole thing is that even though you will make some mistakes, GOD has already made provision for those — He is the GOD of second, third, fourth, one-millionth chances. He promises to never abandon you because it was His Design for you all along.

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote, God is there ready to help; I’m fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me? Hebrews 13:5-6 Message

Our compass is Jesus Christ — everything points to Him — He is our destination.

So what have you sensed or heard The Holy Spirit telling you to do?

Is there unfinished business of forgiveness awaiting your attention?

Is He calling you to redirect your work and career endeavors?

Is there a ministry at your place of worship that is tugging on your heart for participation?

Does a specific person come to your mind’s eye when you are in your prayer closet?

Do you hear whispers of calling you to financially support another human being in need?

Our decisions generally affect the lives of many other people. That’s the ripple effect. So if you’re thinking that what GOD has called you to do is puny or pales in comparison to someone else’s, don’t make the mistake of considering it too trivial to dignify with a response.

Let’s revisit Moses …

In Exodus 4, Moses, starts to panic after he hears the details of what GOD has assigned him to do. In fact, Moses goes into negotiation mode with GOD, because he feels ‘inadequate’ to get the job done. Yup, our hero tries to explain to GOD how He’s got the ‘wrong guy’ and that his brother, Aaron, is better suited for the role (apparently Aaron has some notable public speaking talent). I’m losing my mind here reading the dialogue between GOD and Moses …

Scripture reveals that GOD promises Moses the following:

Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and will teach you what you shall say.” Exodus 4:12 AMP

Let me interrupt here for a moment, Girlfriend — Have you ever told GOD that you were not skilled enough, talented enough, smart enough, educated enough, old enough, wise enough, tall enough, experienced enough … to get it done?

And even after His Promise in verse 12, Moses begs GOD (I’m in duck ‘n’ cover position at this point) to send someone else. I cannot imagine the how intense this conversation became …

Then the anger of the Lord blazed against Moses … Exodus 4:14a AMPC

Helllllooooo Moses! Are you forgetting that you’re speaking to GOD from a non-consuming burning bush, and now you’re challenging His decision? Blazed is the word used to describe GOD’S anger towards Moses — as if Moses didn’t already smell the smoke! Shake my head!

I can admit to having ‘questioned’ GOD’S call for me to accomplish something. It may not have rolled out like the Mount Sinai inferno, but nonetheless, I tried to reason with GOD (fancy way of saying I disagreed) about His choosing me to get the job done.

Because I judged myself where GOD did not. I perceived my human inabilities and limitations (like Moses) to be the end-all when only GOD has already seen the end of it all. He resides in the Eternal realm, so He has been there and knows well how it all ends.

The Lord shall reign to eternity and beyond. Exodus 15:18 AMP

So when we excuse ourselves out of a godly request to participate in some heavenly joy this side of Paradise, we actually miss out on an opportunity to rejoice with our cloud of witnesses (the Faith Hall of Famers). Telling GOD that we are not enough is, well, not enough of a reason to sit along the sidelines.

Let me share some hope …

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28 AMP

Girlfriend, GOD chooses whom He will equip for the job. Period. Our verse above says that with all confidence we believe that GOD has it all wrapped up to work out in our favor — even when we can’t see our way through the journey.

Somehow we’ve got it all backwards because the world operates on “the qualified get selected for the job.” But when it comes to Kingdom architecture, the Master Builder doesn’t need human input for the blueprints. We are the ones in need of the big eraser (and prefer the pencil to secure our options); He writes and designs in eternal ink. Need I say more?

You and I are called, Sister, according to His plan and purpose. It’s time for us to rise up and say, “Here am I, Lord.”

Let Him Who calls you for the work, equip and qualify you for everything that will be required of you to accomplish. That has got to be the sweetest deal in existence — the plan had you in mind before you walked the earth, and only you can satisfy the purpose.

How can you turn down a plan and purpose that was specifically designed for you? Sounds like a win-win situation. So what are you waiting for? Pray for wisdom and get ready to move!

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary