Scripture Reference: Genesis 15:1–5, Genesis 21:1–2
I. The Nature of the Call: Beyond Our Expectation
God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. In many occasions, God will call you when you are least expecting it. He sees the “Man of Strength” within you even when you see a coward.
Gideon undermined himself, claiming to be the least in his family. He doubted and tried to compromise, yet God saw a mighty warrior.
Moses lived as a prince of Egypt, unaware of the vision God kept for him until he stood up for his people and fled to the land of Midian. It was in the desert, after the failure in Egypt, that his true calling to lead Israel began to unfold.
Jeremiah felt weak and young, but God put His hand on his mouth and gave him power.
Key Truth: You are not born again by accident. You are predestined. Before you were ever born, God set a path for you.
II. The Journey of Abraham: Faith Through the Delay
The story of our faith begins with Abraham in the Place of Ur (modern-day Iraq). When God called, Abraham obeyed. He left his native country to go to a place God would show him. Because he obeyed the Voice, it was credited to him as righteousness.
The Shield and the Reward
In Genesis 15:1, God told him, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” When God becomes your shield, nothing can harm you. This is why Abraham was able to defeat many countries and rescue Lot and the other captives—he realized that his protection came from the Almighty.
The Trial of the Promise
The promise of a son took 25 years to manifest. In the “silence” of God, human nature often tries to help God out:
The Human Plan: At age 86, following Sarah’s advice, Abraham had a son, Ishmael, with Hagar.
The Conflict: This created a “wild donkey of a man” whose hand would be against everyone (Genesis 16:11-12).
The Divine Fulfillment: At the appointed time, when Abraham was 100 years old, God fulfilled His promise. Sarah gave birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:1-2).
Even when the promise delays, God is not slow. He is preparing the character of the one He called. No matter how much the promise seems to delay, God will answer.
III. The Transformation of Jacob: From Deceiver to Prince
There is a reason we say “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” The same God who called the grandfather called the grandson.
Jacob fled in fear after stealing his brother’s birthright. But at his lowest point, God met him:
The Vision: He saw a ladder reaching to heaven and received a vow of protection.
The Wrestling: At Peniel, an angel wrestled with him. Jacob refused to let go until he was blessed.
The New Name: God said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel” (Genesis 32:28).
Jacob’s story teaches us that an encounter with God changes your identity. You may start as a “supplanter” (Jacob), but you end as a “Prince with God” (Israel).
IV. The Mystery of Revelation
God continuously reveals Himself to those He calls. He spoke to Samuel when he was just a boy with no experience. Samuel answered the call, and the Bible says none of his words ever fell to the ground.
God reveals His mysteries through His servants:
Isaiah saw the fall of the enemy and the glory of the throne.
Saul (Paul) received the revelation of the end times.
Moses was shown the very beginning of creation.
Conclusion: Don’t Compromise the Call
It is hard to be “okay” with the world and “okay” with God at the same time. If you seek to please everyone, you will compromise your calling. God may use people you don’t expect—even those from the line of Ishmael—to reveal His mystery. We must not minimize or look down on anyone’s journey.
If God has called you, He will keep revealing Himself to you every day. He is your shield. He is your provider. He is the one who changes your name.