Being called by God is a powerful experience. The Bible shows how God calls people for His purposes and equips them for the task. Today, we’ll explore what it means to respond to God’s calling in your life.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Called
Exodus 4:10-12
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
This verse reassures us that our abilities and limitations are known and ordained by God. Even if we feel inadequate, God can equip us and provide us with what we need to fulfill His calling.
God’s response to Moses’ shortcomings emphasizes that our abilities or lack thereof do not disqualify us. It is the Lord who enables and empowers us, guiding our steps and equipping us for His purpose.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
This verse highlights that God’s calling on our lives is not random or accidental. He has known and planned for our purpose even before we were born.
It is comforting to know that God has a specific plan and calling for each one of us. Our purpose is not left to chance but is carefully orchestrated by the Creator of the universe.
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
This verse displays a willing heart and readiness to respond to God’s call. Isaiah’s immediate response of “Here am I” demonstrates his obedience and surrender to God’s will.
As believers, we should cultivate a similar attitude of readiness to respond when God calls us. May we always be willing and available to be used by Him, saying, “Here am I. Send me!”
Matthew 4:18-19
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
This verse showcases Jesus’ invitation to follow Him and be a part of His mission to reach others. The call to follow Jesus involves not only a personal relationship but also the opportunity to participate in His work of bringing others to Him.
Just as Jesus called His disciples to become fishers of people, He invites us to join Him in sharing the good news and making disciples. Our calling is not limited to personal salvation but extends to partnering with Christ to fulfill the Great Commission.
Acts 9:15-16
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
This verse emphasizes that God’s calling may involve both great privilege and great sacrifice. Paul, formerly known as Saul, was chosen by God to be an instrument of His gospel, but it also meant enduring suffering for the sake of Christ.
When we respond to God’s call, we must be prepared for both blessings and challenges. God’s purpose for our lives may lead us down difficult paths, but He will always provide the strength and grace to fulfill His calling.
Matthew 22:14
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
This verse highlights that while many may hear the call of God, only a few respond and embrace His calling. The invitation to follow Jesus is available to all, but it requires a personal decision and commitment.
May we recognize the urgency and importance of responding to God’s call in our lives. Let us not be among the many who only hear the call but the few who actively yield to His purpose and live out our calling.
Acts 16:9-10
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
This verse illustrates the role of divine guidance in discerning God’s calling. Paul and his companions recognized that their vision was God’s way of directing them to a particular place and ministry.
When seeking to discern God’s calling, we should pay attention to His direction and guidance. The Holy Spirit can lead and guide us, opening doors of opportunity and confirming His calling through various means.
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
This verse reminds us of our identity and purpose in Christ. As believers, we are chosen and called by God to be His special possession and proclaim His praises.
Let us embrace our calling to live as a holy nation, shining the light of Christ and proclaiming the transformational power of His grace to a world in need. Our lives should reflect the glorious truth of being called out of darkness into His wonderful light.
Romans 11:29
For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
This verse assures us that once God has called us and bestowed gifts upon us, His calling and gifts are irrevocable. God does not change His mind or withdraw His calling.
Let this truth bring comfort and confidence as we walk in obedience to God’s call. Regardless of any doubts or uncertainties we may face, we can trust that He will remain faithful to His purpose and calling in our lives.
Ephesians 4:1
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with the calling we have received from God. It challenges us to live in a manner that reflects the honor and responsibility of our calling.
May we strive to walk in humility, holiness, and obedience, displaying the transformative power of God’s grace at work and representing Him well in every aspect of our lives.
2 Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
This verse highlights that God’s calling is rooted in His purpose and grace, not our own merit or achievements. He has called us to live a holy life, empowered by His grace.
Recognizing that our calling comes from God’s unmerited favor should humble us and motivate us to live in gratitude and obedience, striving to walk in righteousness and fulfill His purpose for our lives.
1 Corinthians 7:17
Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
This verse reminds us that God’s calling transcends our circumstances. Whether in our vocation, relationships, or stage of life, we are called to faithfully live as believers and fulfill our God-given purpose.
May we embrace the calling to be salt and light wherever we are, allowing the transformative power of the Gospel to impact every sphere of our lives and bring glory to God.
Galatians 1:15-16
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.
This verse shows Paul’s recognition that his calling was divinely ordained before birth and rooted in God’s grace. It underscores that God’s plans and purposes for our lives go beyond human approval or opinion.
When we receive God’s calling, we must be careful not to be swayed or discouraged by the opinions of others. May we always seek the counsel and affirmation of God above all else.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
This verse reminds us that we are not only called to salvation and a relationship with Christ but also to live in peace with one another. We are called to be peacemakers, building bridges and fostering unity within the body of Christ.
May we pursue peace, extending grace and forgiveness, and exemplifying Christ’s love to all. Let us be thankful for the privilege and responsibility of being called to peace in a world often filled with strife and division.
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.
This verse reminds us that as believers, we share in the heavenly calling. It calls us to fix our thoughts on Jesus, recognizing Him as our ultimate example and the source of our calling.
May we fix our eyes on Jesus, imitating His love, humility, and sacrifice as we navigate our God-given calling. By keeping our focus on Him, we can persevere and thrive in the fulfillment of our purpose.
2 Peter 1:10-11
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This verse urges us to actively pursue and confirm our calling and election. It encourages us to live in a manner consistent with our calling, ensuring that our faith and obedience align with our God-given purpose.
By diligently following Christ and growing in faith, we can walk securely in our calling, knowing that our eternal reward awaits us in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:26-27
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
This verse emphasizes that God’s calling often defies human expectations and norms. He chooses the weak, foolish, and unlikely to accomplish His purpose, demonstrating His power and wisdom.
May this verse serve as a reminder that our abilities or societal status do not limit God’s calling on our lives. He delights in using the ordinary and overlooked to bring about extraordinary results for His glory.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
This verse provides assurance that the One who calls us is faithful and will fulfill His calling in and through us. It reminds us that we can rely on God’s faithfulness and trust His leading.
In times of doubt or uncertainty, let us remember that God who called us is faithful. He will guide, equip, and empower us to fulfill His purpose as we continue to trust in Him.
Philemon 1:6
I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.
This verse speaks to the call to partnership and shared faith. It encourages us to cooperate and support one another, deepening our understanding of the good things we share in Christ.
As believers, we are called to come alongside one another, spurring each other on and bearing one another’s burdens. Through our partnerships, we can better fulfill our calling and advance the Kingdom of God.
2 Timothy 4:5
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
This verse presents several aspects of our calling as believers. We are called to be steadfast in all situations, to endure hardship, and to faithfully carry out the work of an evangelist.
May we remain steadfast and resilient, embracing the challenges that may come with our calling. Let us seize every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ and fulfill all the duties entrusted to us.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
This verse reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. Even in difficult and challenging circumstances, God can work for our ultimate good.
Trusting in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, may we find comfort and peace in knowing that our calling is part of His divine plan. As we love and serve Him, He will continually work for our good and His glory.
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
This verse assures us that our calling is not without hope. God, the God of all grace, will restore and strengthen us as we endure temporary sufferings.
When facing challenges or setbacks in our calling, let us hold on to the promise of God’s restoration. He will make us strong, firm, and steadfast, enabling us to continue walking in His purposes with renewed strength.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
This verse reminds us that God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will provide a way of escape during times of temptation, enabling us to endure.
As we navigate our calling, we may face various temptations and challenges. However, we can trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He will always provide the strength and way out needed to remain steadfast in our calling.