Christians often refer to being “called” by God. But what does this actually mean? Recently in a textbook I found this definition for being called:
“A call is a profound impression from God that establishes parameters for your life and can be altered only by a subsequent, superseding impression from God”
Take time to read that. And read it again. Understand it.
This definition changed my perspective on calling. God’s call is exceedingly important. It defines a persons actions, motives, and life in a very specific way that is unique to the individual. It means that the course of a persons’ life is no longer their own, but rather they look solely to God to tell them how to live it. It changes the course of a persons life because they are convinced they need to follow His call.
This call also means that even in suffering we choose to stay with God. The Gospel, the news that Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we can be forgiven and reunited with God, is the reason we do this. We are saved from eternal punishment because of His sacrifice; no suffering on earth can compare. Because of his sacrifice we have the privileged of serving him, regardless of the cost. We are free to choose joy in the midst of suffering because we understand what we have.
God calls everyone to be a part of His Kingdom in some way. There is no unnecessary call. Regardless of what that call is, it has been given by God, for His glory. This is not something to be taken for granted. We should start viewing a call as something to be celebrated- in every situation. It has been gifted to us by our Creator!
It shocks me when I hear people downplaying the importance of their call. Why do we downplay or elevate certain calls? Without every individual the Body of Christ could not function. Imagine if the Body of Christ only had youth leaders! I’m pretty sure we would all be tired of pizza and summer camp by now! This is exactly what 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 talks about!
“18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (1 Corinthians 12:18).
Regardless of what He has called you to do, HE has CALLED you to do it! He could have chosen anyone to do it, but God knew you were the only person who could do exactly what you are doing. We must stop putting certain calls above others and live joyfully where God has us.
The function of the Body of Christ is to display the One who made us. Together, we work for the expansion of His Kingdom so that others might find life in Christ. We work together to build each other up and strengthen each other for this purpose. When people look at the Body of Christ, people should be able to see many different people who are united for one goal: to spread the Gospel as is commanded in Matthew 28.
So, what does your call require of you? Rather, what does God require of you?
Well, for me God has called me to be a missionary. This means that I do everything I can to spread the Gospel- especially to the people He has called me to. At different points in the missionary’s journey, there are various things that God asks us to. Currently I am called to invite others to join me in spreading God’s Kingdom through financially supporting the work in Croatia. I am in the process of developing a prayer and financial support team so that together we can reach Croatian youth for Christ. My call means that right now, I can confidently go and ask people to support me because I know that God will provide for every need. I am not ashamed of doing this because I know that this is what God has called me to do, and I know that all the resources in the world are God’s anyway, He is just transferring some of His resources from one account to another.
So, as you are asking God what His call requires of you, I invite you to ask Him if it involves joining His ministry in Croatia. It would be an honor to have you support my ministry. I cannot do it alone. God didn’t call me to do that. But together we can spread His Kingdom. If this is something you feel He is leading you to do, you can click on the button below to find out how to support me.
Passionately His 