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Bible Question:
Does every born again believer have a certain calling? How
can we avoid missing it? Will it be really noticeable?
Bible Answer: Everyone who asks Jesus for forgiveness of his/her sins (a Christian) does have a "calling." By calling we have assumed that you mean God wants you to commit yourself to some ministry for Him. At Salvation. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit not only places us into the body of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 12:13) and seals us (Eph. 1:13), but He also gives us spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:14-26). He gives each Christian one or more spiritual gifts, and He expects us to use them. Why give them to us otherwise? This is a "calling" too! He gives us spiritual gifts with the expectation that we will use them to minister to others. Some will serve the church of Jesus Christ by teaching, serving others, giving, or in a number of other ways. This is the first "calling" and it is one that every Christian receives. The Commission. God has also called us to tell others about Jesus Christ. This "call" is the great commission. He expects every Christian to tell others about Jesus' death and resurrection for their sins. This is a command - not an elective decision. If you please, it is a calling. It is something that He has called us to do.
The Calling. But there is also a unique calling that God gives to certain Christians. We call it "Christian ministry." Jesus "called" His disciples to become "fishers of men." Later they became the apostles or "sent ones." Even though Peter was called to be a disciple of Christ, he was also "called" to be the apostle to the Jews. Later in Acts 9, Jesus "called" Saul in a spectacular event to serve Him. Today, we call him the Apostle Paul. Peter was called to the Jews and Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles. Here are Pauls' words.
God has been calling men and women to serve Him through both ordinary and unusual events. In some cases God places a "burden or desire" on a person's heart to serve Him in a particular way. I have found in my own life that God uses unusual events. He uses the advice of others and unusual circumstances. One well known pastor says that God used a car accident to help him understand that God wanted him to be a senior pastor. In other cases God gives His servant a strong inner burden to do something for Him. How To Avoid It. Many individuals have missed "God's calling." Moses missed the opportunity to complete the mission that God had given him - "God's calling." This occurred because of sin in Moses' life (Num. 20). Sin, fear, suffering, and a love for the world will cause us to miss His calling. God's calling is not easy. Some whom He has called have died because they were serving Him. How do we not miss the calling? May I recommend that you read a previous question and answer that includes some principles to consider in determining if He is calling you. If you sense that God is calling you, and if others are encouraging you, then cast away your fears, worries, and love for the world and do what you believe God is calling you to do. I believe God will make it clear as you pray and seek open doors. Conclusion: May the Lord bless you as you pray and seek His direction. |
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