Calling

Has there ever been a time in your life when you’ve felt called—or summoned—by God to step out of your comfort zone? Or to stretch your faith?

One of the major themes that runs through the Bible is that of calling. Often we think of calling as a vocation—and it can be. It may be a life’s work… or a part of it. But it’s not limited to that. Calling can also be something we feel compelled to do—something that requires us to step outside of ourselves for the sake of others. Something that adds meaning and hope to our lives.

A pastor friend of mine once told me about a capital campaign his church launched to eliminate a couple million dollars of debt. They hired a consultant to help. Before anything began, the consultant asked to meet with him personally. She sat him down and said, “As the pastor and leader of this church, I want you to prayerfully consider giving $10,000.”

He said, “You’ve got to be kidding me! I’m 36 years old. I don’t have $10,000. I’m already giving all I can!” She replied, “Well, you’ve told me that God has called you to this. What if you divided the $10,000 over three years? How much would that be a month? What could you sacrifice to make it happen?”

It turned out that not only did the campaign stretch his faith—it stretched the faith of the whole church. It became a time of great spiritual growth. And through it, they were freed up financially to do tremendous good in the community—to truly help and bless others.

Have you ever felt called by God to take a leap of faith? Maybe to reach out to someone in need. Maybe to serve in a particular ministry. Maybe simply to ask for help when you really needed it, but pride was getting in the way. Or maybe it was a call to let go of something unhealthy. Or to take a leap of faith to join a church—or return to one after years away.

Can you remember a time when you felt summoned by God?

Is it possible that God is calling you now?

Let us pray: Holy God, we thank you for your calling on our lives. And we thank you that your calling can shift and change over time. Give us ears to hear you nudging, and open hearts to respond. In Jesus’ name. Amen.