"The Call"

The Call to Answer: Embracing God's Purpose Through Trials

Have you ever felt inadequate or afraid when faced with a task you believe God has set before you? You're not alone. Even great prophets like Jeremiah initially hesitated when called by God, feeling unprepared and overwhelmed. Yet, God's response to Jeremiah's doubts offers profound encouragement for all of us today:

"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." (Jeremiah 1:5)

This powerful declaration reminds us that God has a unique purpose for each of our lives, one He's had in mind since before we were born. But how do we recognize and answer that call? Let's explore this journey of faith together.

The First Call: Salvation

Before we can fulfill any specific calling, we must first answer the universal call to salvation. John 3:16 reminds us that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This invitation is extended to everyone – we are all "whosoever."

Some might wonder about predestination, but it's crucial to understand that God's foreknowledge doesn't negate our free will. He desires all to come to faith, having predetermined that He wants a people to love and be loved by. Our choice to accept or reject His offer of salvation is real and consequential.

Growing in Faith

Once we've accepted Christ, God begins to prepare us for His purpose. This preparation often involves trials and challenges that refine our faith and character. Just as a child might cry when left at daycare for the first time, not understanding the long-term benefits, we too may struggle to see the purpose in our difficulties.

Yet, like a loving parent who knows what's best for their child's development, God allows us to face situations that will ultimately strengthen us. He promises in Jeremiah 1:19, "They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you."

Answering the Specific Call

As we grow in our faith, God begins to reveal His specific purpose for our lives. This calling might involve ministry, service, or simply living out our faith in our daily roles. Whatever it may be, we can trust that God will equip us for the task, just as He did with Jeremiah:

"Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'I have put my words in your mouth.'" (Jeremiah 1:9)

God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Our job is to be willing and obedient, trusting that He will provide what we need to fulfill His purpose.

Facing Opposition

When we step out in faith to answer God's call, we shouldn't be surprised to face opposition. Jeremiah was warned that he would face resistance from kings, officials, priests, and the people of the land. Yet God promised to make him "a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land" (Jeremiah 1:18).

Similarly, we may encounter challenges and criticism when we pursue God's will for our lives. But we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us, watching over His word to fulfill it.

The Refining Process

God's call on our lives isn't just about what we do; it's about who we become. The process of answering that call involves continual growth and refinement. Like an almond tree that blooms early, signaling the coming of spring, God wants us to be alert and ready for what He's doing in our lives.

This refining process isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it feels like we're in a "boiling pot," facing chaos and difficulty. But these experiences shape us, preparing us for the work God has for us to do.

A Message of Repentance

Often, God's call involves delivering a challenging message to those around us. For Jeremiah, it was a message of repentance to a nation that had turned away from God. Today, we too might be called to speak truth in love, even when it's not popular or easy to hear.

True repentance involves more than just feeling sorry; it requires a genuine turning away from sin and towards God. It's about allowing God to transform our hearts and lives, not just modifying our behavior.

Embracing the Journey

Answering God's call is a journey, not a destination. It involves daily choices to trust Him, even when we don't understand His methods. Like a child learning to trust their parent's decisions, we must learn to trust God's wisdom and timing.

Remember, God sees the bigger picture. He knows what experiences and challenges we need to prepare us for His purpose. Our job is to remain faithful, even in the face of difficulty or doubt.

A Call to Action

As you reflect on God's call for your life, consider these questions:

1. Have you answered the initial call to salvation? If not, what's holding you back?
2. Are you growing in your faith daily through prayer and Bible study?
3. What specific purpose might God be calling you to?
4. How are you handling the trials and challenges in your life? Can you see them as opportunities for growth?
5. Is there a message of truth or repentance that God is asking you to share with others?

Whatever stage of the journey you're in, remember that God is with you. He has known you since before you were born, and He has a purpose for your life. Trust in His timing, lean on His strength, and be open to His leading.

As you step out in faith to answer His call, you may face opposition and challenges. But take heart! For "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).

Your life has immense value and purpose in God's eyes. Are you ready to embrace the call He has placed on your life?