Answer The Call

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” Acts 13:2

What will you do when God calls? Answer and obey? Or let Him keep ringing?

God didn’t save us to shelve us. Though we are trophies of His grace, we are also instruments of His gospel. “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”(Eph 2:10). Through us, He “spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ”(2 Cor 2:14). How this happens in each life differs, and that’s where the call comes in.

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’”(Acts 13:2). Among the Christians at Antioch, some were gifted to preach, some were gifted to teach, and all were gifted to pray and to praise—to worship and to fast(Acts 13:1). As the believers spent time in God’s presence, they heard a specific message to set apart Barnabas and Saul “for the work to which I have called them.”

Often we discern God’s call on our own. Sometimes we need the help of others—like the older Eli who prompted the younger Samuel(1 Sam. 3). Spending time with God always helps us hear what He is saying. The call of the prophet Isaiah came in a vision of God’s temple and in the reality of His presence. “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” God inquired, and Isaiah replied, “Here am I. Send me”(Isa 6:8). The message God’s Spirit spoke to the Christians at Antioch seemed to be a confirmation of the call He had already revealed to Saul and Barnabas. It was also an encouragement to the church who would support and pray for them along the way.

Sometimes God calls people around the world. Sometimes He calls us across the street. Some live out their call as career missionaries, some as vocational ministers. Others sell stocks, teach school, drive trucks, bag groceries, or rock babies. The general call is to “testify to the good news of God’s grace”(Acts 20:24). Your particular call will vary. Be very obedient. My mother repeated few phrases as mottos for life, but my favorite is, “If God calls you to dig ditches, don’t stoop to be the President of the United States.” Nothing is more noble than knowing and doing the will of God.

If you know the exact call of God on your life, live it out. Take time today to recommit your efforts, resources, and abilities to answer in every way you can. If you’re not sure of the specifics, listen up and look around. God’s plans for you quite possibly lie in the lives of those He has placed in your path—or under your feet. Seek Him in prayer. Spend time in praise. Focus on who He is through fasting and fellowship. Ask Christian friends for advice and input. God isn’t trying to hide His will from you. He will let you know.

Too much is at stake to not pick up.
Answer the call.