Posted by Chris Blair 03/25/26
What is a Calling from GOD?
To be called by God is both terrifying and wonderful. It is terrifying to stand before the holiness and righteousness of God and immediately see how much we are lacking. Yet it is wonderful to discover that everything we lack, God provides. What God desires more than any talent, skill, or ability is for a heart willing to act according to His will, rather than our own. Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 NKJV). Every believer is called to submit their will to God daily, regardless of the vocation God assigns, whether doctor, minister or anything between.
Noah was called by God to gather the seeds, both plants, animals, and people, to replant a wicked world. God commanded, “So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.” (Genesis 6:14 ESV). Noah could have altered the design or chosen which animals he preferred, but instead he acted in true faith and obedience.
Abraham continued this pattern of obedience. “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him” (Genesis 12:4 ESV). At seventy-five years old, Abraham left everything familiar for a future he could not yet see. Abraham acted in God’s will, trusting in God’s promise. This shows us that we must walk forward into the unknown future and trust that God will provide what we need to accomplish the call He gives.
Moses followed the same trend. Though he had fled Egypt in fear, God called him back to confront the Pharaoh. God declared, “But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go.” (Exodus 3:19-20 ESV). Moses obeyed despite his fears and limitations. Later, when Moses did go against God’s will, there was a costly consequence, reminding us of the folly that can occur when we follow our own desires over His.
Jesus confirms this pattern when he calls His disciples. His words, “Come, follow me…”(Matthew 4:19 NIV), it is not simply a career shift, but a change of heart and identity. When He adds, “…and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19 NIV) it shows God can call anyone at any time. Ordinary fishermen became leaders of the early church. They did not seek the calling, God sought to call them. Paul reinforces this truth, “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 NKJV). Calling is not grounded in human ability, but in divine empowerment. When we are called, we are called to put God’s will above all others and we are called to have a changed heart and identity.
Sanctification is also an essential part of understanding God’s call. He directs our purpose and reshapes our character so we can walk in His will. Sanctification is the daily work of submitting to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to make our heart more like that of Christ. Teaching us to desire what God desires and to turn away from the sin that once claimed us. Scripture reminds us that, “this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1Thessalonians 4:3, ESV). Paul David Tripp echoes this truth when he writes, “Pastoral ministry is always shaped by the true condition of the pastor’s heart.”[1] Calling cannot be detached from character. As our hearts change, our character should follow.
Throughout Scripture, it is revealed that God’s call is always rooted in His character and redemptive purpose. This pattern shows that calling is not just a set of tasks to complete, but a submission to the will of God. To submit to the will of God is to submit to the changing of our heart and desires. The call I received from God is to gain knowledge about Him and to go out and share that knowledge. While reading Scripture and asking God how I am to do this task, my best understanding is to study on His Word deeply, to research the evidence, and to share the credibility of Jesus Christ and the Good News!
As I continue to walk with God, I recognize there are many areas where I still need clarity and growth. One area is learning how to discern God’s will with greater confidence. Scripture calls believers to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 ESV), but I often find myself struggling between my desires and God’s direction. I also desire stronger obedience; to be ready to obey, even when the path is not so clear. This will require a never-ending growth in humility, patience, and surrender. None of these things can I do on my own, I need God to transform my heart every day to have growth.
[1] Paul David Tripp, Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry, (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012), 102.
BlairBibleBlog.org 