What does it mean to be called by God?

Answer

The Bible often mentions individuals being called by God for a specific ministry or service. Paul was called by God: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1; cf: 1 Corinthians 1:1). The Old Testament priests were called by God to their special work (Hebrews 5:4; cf: Exodus 28:1). To be called by God is to be chosen by Him for specific purposes. When an individual is aware of that call and surrenders to it, they begin to live out God’s purpose for them (see Jeremiah 1:4-5; Isaiah 49:1; Galatians 1:15).

God called the entire nation of Israel to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” «and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. », (Exodus 19:6). The church, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, is similarly called: “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” «and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. », (Revelation 5:10). God’s calling of Israel was to demonstrate God’s salvation to the pagan world. However, because Israel rejected that call and pursued idols, they never flourished as God intended. His call now extends to all those redeemed by the blood of Jesus to demonstrate to the world God’s mercy, grace, and salvation (Hebrews 12:14; Matthew 5:16).

God is much more involved with His universe than some might think. Isaiah 46:9–11 is the key passage that removes all uncertainty about God’s sovereignty. Even though He has granted humanity the freedom to make choices, His decisions have already been made (Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:10-18). “God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable” «For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. », (Romans 11:29).

We are summoned by God to salvation. In fact, the Greek term translated as “church” in the New Testament means “a called-out assembly.” The call to salvation entails shaping us “to the image of His Son.” His selection and call to salvation are part of an eternal plan for us that secures our inheritance in heaven: “And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified” (Romans 8:29-30).

Following salvation, we are additionally called to develop Christian virtues and serve God through good works; indeed, it is this growth process that affirms our divine calling (2 Peter 1:5-10). God bestows upon us spiritual gifts to assist us in our service. The Holy Spirit bestows the gifts as He deems appropriate and then summons us to a realm of service that utilizes those gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). For instance, a young man may develop a burden for a specific foreign nation and its people. That burden was placed there by the Lord as part of His calling. The young man then begins to study that nation and enrolls in a missions-focused school. OnceOn the mission field, he is willing to endure hardships and separation from family and friends because the call of God is his greatest motivation. Paul wrote, “I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” «For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! », (1 Corinthians 9:16). God had placed a call on Paul’s life from the moment he was converted (Acts 9:15-16). That call became his motivating force.

Jonah was called by God but refused to surrender to that call; instead, he ran the other way (Jonah 1:1-3). The Lord pursued His disobedient servant until Jonah submitted himself to the call. Knowing of Jonah’s disobedience beforehand, God had already prepared a great fish to swallow him and spit him out when he was humbled enough to repent (Jonah 1:17—2:1). After Jonah was back on dry land, the word of the Lord came to him again with the same call, giving him another chance to obey. This time, Jonah did. God is patient with His children, working with us until we see things rightly.

Every Christian has a calling on his or her life. We were designed before the foundation of the world to be His workmanship, glorifying Him as we bring forth the fruit He desires (Ephesians 1:4-5;2:10). God’s specific call to service usually begins with a burden for a particular need that relates to the kingdom of God. Some are called to the political arena or to end human trafficking. Others are called to be pastors, teachers, worship leaders, Bible translators, or to a host of other avenues that.Honor the Lord. Each person utilizes the gifts the Spirit has given.

We discover our calling to a particular area of service by walking closely with the Lord, practicing obedience, and offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 1:10). As we develop sensitivity to His voice, we move forward with what we know. When our hearts are set on obeying the Lord, He confirms His calling in various ways: godly counsel, natural gifting, fruitful results, Scripture, and a sense of “rightness” that does not conflict with any of the other confirmations.

For instance, a young nursery worker may read about babies suffering in Romanian orphanages. She has a love for small children, and what she learns touches her heart like nothing else has. She seeks more information and educates herself as the burden grows stronger. She starts praying for guidance. Is she meant to take action on this? She shares her burden with her pastor and her spiritual mentor. She asks her Bible study group to pray with her about the matter. She reaches out to a Christian organization that runs orphanages in Europe and finds out they have a job opening. This appears to be a confirmation, but she continues to seek wisdom from the Lord “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5). Then, unexpectedly, a distant aunt sends her a sum of money, which happens to be the exact amount needed for airfare. With all these signs affirming her decision, she feels confident moving forward into God’s calling for her life. The orphans receive assistance, and God is glorified.

When following God’s calling, we must ensure to obey His instructions in Scripture. By being faithful to the call to obedience, He may lead us to more specific areas (see Luke 16:10).