ICA Macau

When God Calls: Understanding Your Divine Purpose

This article accompanies Pastor’s sermon on God’s calling. Watch the full message below:

Have you ever felt God nudging you toward something, only to respond with “Why me?” You’re not alone. In fact, even the greatest biblical leaders had similar responses to God’s call. Today, we’re going to explore what happens when God calls us and why we often resist His divine invitation.

The Pattern of Divine Calling

God doesn’t typically call us during extraordinary moments. Instead, He meets us in our daily routines. Consider these biblical examples:

  • Moses was tending sheep when he encountered the burning bush
  • Samuel was sleeping in the temple
  • Peter and Andrew were fishing
  • Paul and Barnabas were worshipping and fasting

“While walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.” – Matthew 4:18

Why We Resist God’s Call

Like Moses, our first response to God’s calling is often filled with doubt and resistance. We typically progress through these stages:

1. The “Who Am I?” Stage

We question our worthiness and capabilities, just as Moses did when he said, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” This self-doubt often masks deeper fears and insecurities.

2. The “What If?” Stage

We begin to imagine all possible obstacles and failures. Moses worried about his speech impediment and the people’s potential rejection. But here’s what we often forget: God’s calling isn’t about our abilities—it’s about His power working through us.

“But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you.” – Exodus 3:12

God’s Response to Our Resistance

When we resist God’s calling, He doesn’t immediately give up on us. Instead, He:

1. Provides Assurance

God’s consistent response is “I will be with you.” This promise hasn’t expired—it extends to us today. When God calls, He commits to walking alongside us through every step of the journey.

2. Equips Us

Just as God gave Moses his staff as a tool, He equips each of us with specific gifts and resources for our calling. The question isn’t whether you have what it takes—it’s whether you’ll use what God has already given you.

Moving Forward in Your Calling

To embrace God’s calling effectively, focus on these three essential elements:

1. Walk with Jesus

Your calling flows from your relationship with Christ. Without this foundation, you’ll be guessing at God’s will rather than discerning it clearly.

“The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” – John 10:3

2. Rely on the Holy Spirit

Remember, it’s not about your strength but His power working through you.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” – Zechariah 4:6

3. Use Your Spiritual Gifts

God has specifically equipped you for your unique calling. These gifts aren’t for your glory but for His kingdom’s advancement.

The 7-Day Challenge

This week, I challenge you to:

  1. Spend 15 minutes daily in silent prayer, asking God to reveal His calling for your life
  2. Write down any “excuses” you’ve been making that prevent you from following God’s leading
  3. Take one small step toward an area where you feel God might be calling you

Final Thoughts

Remember: Many are called, but few choose to answer. Like Abraham, sometimes we must step out in faith without seeing the full picture. The question isn’t whether God is calling—He is. The question is: Will you answer?

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” – Hebrews 11:8

What might God be calling you to do today? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s encourage one another in our journey of faith.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *