God’s Call | Dr. Conrad Vine

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we’ve all encountered moments where we question our purpose. Whether it’s a career change, a personal trial, or a call to service in our church community, we often find ourselves asking, “Is God calling me to something more?” This question resonates deeply within us, especially when we think about the stories of those who have walked before us, like Moses, who was called by God from the burning bush, or even modern-day heroes of faith like Ida from the Philippines.

The Wilderness Experience

Before God calls us to a new chapter in our lives, He often leads us through a wilderness experience. This period can be likened to a time of preparation and refining, where God molds our character and readies us for the path ahead. Consider Ida, a woman from the Philippines who faced immense societal and religious pressure to forgive and reintegrate her unrepentant husband. Despite the hardships, she stood firm, knowing that protecting her daughters was paramount. Her resilience in the wilderness of societal condemnation and personal hardship was her preparation for the ministry she would later undertake.

Similarly, biblical figures like Moses, Elijah, and David spent significant periods in the wilderness before stepping into their divine callings. Moses, once a prince of Egypt, spent 40 years in the wilderness of Midian, tending to his father-in-law’s flocks. This period of solitude and humility was crucial for Moses, transforming him from a self-assured prince to a humble shepherd ready to lead God’s people.

Recognizing God’s Call

Recognizing God’s call often comes with introspection and an openness to His leading. Moses, despite his royal upbringing and education, had to flee to Midian, where he learned the ways of a shepherd. It was here, amidst the mundane tasks of tending sheep, that God called him. The burning bush was a seemingly insignificant event, yet it was God’s way of testing whether Moses was attentive to the small details of life.

God’s call is often not about our readiness in our own eyes but about His timing and our willingness to respond. Moses felt inadequate, questioning, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” Yet God assured him with His presence, saying, “I will be with you.” This assurance is a testament to the fact that when God calls, He also equips and walks with us through the journey.

A Personal God Who Knows Your Name

God’s call is deeply personal. He knows each of us by name, as seen in His call to Moses. In Exodus, God introduces Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing a personal connection with Moses’ ancestry. This personal nature of God is emphasized in how He communicates with each of us uniquely, acknowledging our personal history and circumstances.

Isaiah 43 beautifully encapsulates this truth: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” God calls us not as faceless beings but as individuals with unique journeys and potential. This personal relationship is foundational to understanding our purpose and stepping confidently into the roles He has prepared for us.

Embracing the Call with Humility

When God calls, it is often to those who may seem least likely in the eyes of the world. Ida, despite her lack of education and societal status, became a powerful evangelist in the mountains of Muro. Her story is a testament to how God uses the humble and the willing to accomplish His purposes.

Throughout the Bible, God chooses individuals like Moses and the fishermen disciples of Jesus, who were engaged in ordinary jobs. Their willingness to leave their nets and follow Jesus demonstrates the humility and readiness God desires. These men, through their obedience, turned the world upside down, spreading the gospel and establishing the early church. Their stories remind us that God can use anyone who is willing to step out in faith, regardless of their background or perceived qualifications.

Conclusion: Stepping Into Your Call

The question of God’s call in our lives is not just for the biblical heroes or the Idas of the world. It is for each of us, wherever we find ourselves. God calls us to be His ambassadors, to step into roles that may seem daunting, but for which He has equipped us uniquely.

As we reflect on our own lives, let us seek to hear God’s voice amidst the noise, to recognize the burning bushes in our own wilderness experiences, and to respond with a heart of worship and obedience. The call may not lead to grandeur in the eyes of the world, but it holds eternal significance in the kingdom of God. May we, like Ida, Moses, and the disciples, be found faithful to His call, knowing that He goes before us and will be with us every step of the way.