Recognize and Respond to God’s Call in Your Life

The call came from Detroit around 10:45 a.m. A friend was in transit with a layover, and while she was waiting, she had a question for me. I knew she was traveling yesterday, so I was a bit surprised when she called. However, once I heard my phone ring and saw her name on the screen, I didn’t hesitate to answer.

Receiving a call from a friend is something I usually try to respond to immediately. But when my close friend, Jesus Christ, calls, I am sometimes filled with apprehension. What does He want? Where will He send me? What will He ask me to do? These questions flood my mind as I hear His call.

There are times when His call is not clear, and I think of the old phrase He might use, "Can You Hear Me Now?" Jesus Christ is wise and always has my best interests at heart, but I still feel that sense of apprehension.

I reflect on the disciples. According to the Scriptures, when Jesus passed by, He briefly called out to them, and they immediately (as the Scriptures say) dropped everything and followed. But was it really that simple? Was it that quick and easy for them? If so, why is it sometimes so difficult for me to clearly recognize His call? Why do I often struggle to respond?

I believe it has something to do with my comfort zone. Maybe I’m too spoiled and too satisfied with where I am. Maybe I hesitate because I’m happy in my current situation.

I often mentally prepare my sermons up until the very moment I share them. Today, my focus is on Joseph, as described in Genesis. Was he satisfied with his life as a young man tending sheep? I think not. But God had bigger plans for him, and suddenly, he was sold into slavery. Joseph wasn’t called in the traditional sense; he was thrust into a situation.

God doesn’t want to force us into His plan; He simply calls us. But I need to learn to answer that call as soon as possible. After all, I am His, and He truly wants what’s best for me. I must remember that when it was time for Jesus to answer His Father’s call to the cross, He wasn’t living in the comfort of His life.

Help me, O God, to hear Your call clearly and respond quickly.