Answering the call

1. The Divine Order of the Call

The Bible tells us that the heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth He has given to the children of men. However, when it comes to the things of God, man does not just wake up and decide to serve. Man cannot call himself. It is only God who calls a man for His specific purpose.

The will of God is generational. It moves from one person to another and from one season to the next. That is why the Bible says Elijah finished his work and was taken to heaven, but later, John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” Elijah died, but the mission continued.

When Moses could not reach the Promised Land, God told Joshua, “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore, arise.” God was telling Joshua to stop crying and start moving, because the mission is bigger than one man. God told Jacob, “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father.” This means the plan started long ago, and now it is your turn to carry the mantle.

Key Takeaway: > * You cannot call yourself; God does the calling.

• God’s will is a continuous mission that outlives any single person.

2. Known Before the Womb

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

The beauty of life is knowing why you exist. God told Jeremiah that even though he felt like a child, his calling was decided before his parents even met. The anointing on your life is not for decoration; it is a tool given to you to accomplish a specific task.

Jeremiah tried to give excuses about his age and weakness, but God doesn’t look at your strength. He only looks for your willingness. Until you answer the call, the “prophet” inside you will never see the light of day.

Stop Comparing Yourself: Many Christians fail because they compare their lives to others. You may have gone to the same school or grown up in the same village, but your calls are different.

• God called Samuel at five years old.

• He called others at ninety.

• He gave Peninnah children quickly, but He made Hannah wait so she could birth a prophet (Samuel) who would change the nation. Your result is different because your mandate is different.

3. The Call is Personal

When God calls you, He sets you apart. He gives you a “place” that is different from the crowd. He told Jeremiah his place was “above,” meaning when people need to hear from heaven, they must look for you.

You may ask: “Why am I going through these hard situations if God called me?” The truth is, the call of God is personal. When God called Moses at the burning bush or Abraham in the desert, no one else was there. Sometimes God puts you in a situation that no pastor or friend can understand, just so that He can direct you Himself.

4. Called vs. Chosen

Scripture: Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Being “called” is like receiving an invitation to a party. Being “chosen” is like being stamped and sealed for the work.

• The Call is the invitation.

• The Choice depends on your response and your work.

Life is too short to live without making an impact. Paul said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul suffered for the call, but that suffering earned him a crown of glory.

5. The Price of the Call: The Cross and the Crown

Every time you see a Crown, know there is a Cross behind it. And every time you carry a Cross, know there is a Crown in front of you. Gold must pass through fire to become valuable. To be a “chosen” vessel, you must be refined.

The Cost of Serving: Answering the call means a life of sacrifice. Your life will be shaken. It will be disturbed. You might lose things you love just to know Him better.

• You don’t truly know God when things are easy.

• You know God when you have gone through the “ups and downs” and seen His faithfulness.

When God puts the “stress” of a nation or a generation in your heart, your life cannot stay the same. He humbles you so that when the promotion comes, you don’t boast or beat your chest, but you say, “It has been God.”

Conclusion: Don’t Give Up

The destiny of a whole generation might be resting on your shoulders. If you give up now, you break that destiny. Even if it is hard, pay the price. Pay the price in secret through prayer, sacrifice, and faithfulness. If you pay the price in the secret place, God will surely bless and honor you in front of people.