HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE CALLED?

Several months ago I woke up early in the morning and felt God speak to me and tell me to get back to the basics.  At first I wasn’t sure what God was saying to me but as I continued to seek Him and His Word it became clear that God was restoring me and reminding me that He has called me to be a pastor.  If we aren’t careful we can easily get side tracked or off focus and I believe God was trying to keep me focused on my calling.  This is one of the scriptures that God sent me to…

2 Timothy 1:8-9, “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.  But join with me in suffering for the gospel, but the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace….”(NIV)

The question I have for you is what has God called you to? All believers have been called by God to serve Him. Every believer is a minister!  A calling from God is not something we seek but someone that God is seeking for.  He is looking for men and women who will receive the call. Oswald Sanders, “In Paul’s day, only a deep love for Christ and genuine concern for the church could motivate people to lead.  But in many cultures today where Christian leadership carries prestige and privilege, people aspire to leadership for reasons quite unworthy and self seeking.” Spiritual Leadership, page 14

God says that He saved us and called us to a holy life… And when we live a holy life we are making a difference with our lives.  But there is a difference between being saved and being called. 

SAVED - We find our identity in our salvation. Our identity is found in Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not works, so that no one can boast.”

CALLED – God has called believers to serve Him.  But we shouldn’t find our identity in our calling or title. We find out our identity in Christ.  Being called is not about a title or position.  It also doesn’t mean that we have to be a paid staff member at a church or ministry. In fact some of the real Kingdom Builders that I know serve God’s House and their income come from other employment.

Many pastors and leaders live saved but they don’t live called. God is calling us to step up, step out and lead out of our calling from God to make a difference for His kingdom!

Over the next few weeks I will share with you 10 characteristics of someone who is called by God.

Comments

[Karen]

Thanks for sharing this! There is nothing greater than living the life God has called us to. Not always what we think we want, but ALWAYS so much better.

[Christian]

Wow, spot on thanks Pastor for challenging us and reminding us of the calling from God!

[Michael Levitt]

Looking forward to the 10 characteristics info.

Blessings!

[Angi Bittle]

Thank you for posting this. I cannot wait to see what God's going to do next!

[Irene F. Brown]

Thank you!

Irene Brown
Illinois