The Call: Will You Answer?

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[a] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 NLT

The book of Philippians was written as a letter by the Apostle Paul to the people of Philippi while he was in a Roman prison. Paul had a vision that he received a call from GOD to preach in Macedonia (Philippi was Macedonia’s major city) and he was obedient to the call. In his past life, Paul (formerly Saul) was a persecutor of Christians. One day Jesus spoke to Saul and informed him that he was in fact persecuting Jesus Himself. Saul was then struck with blindness until the Lord sent a man named Ananias to restore his sight.

Ananias was obedient and laid hands on Saul; immediately Saul’s sight was restored, and he was baptized. The Bible tells us from that moment of restoration Saul soon became Paul and began to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul realized that the things he once cared about were no longer important and it was more important to know Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Through faith in Christ, Paul would continue to be obedient to the call and press forward to the eternal reward. As I write this, the need to operate within my calling more is even stronger!

I believe that GOD has called me to come out from staying “behind the scenes” into the forefront to share His Word through ministry. I can no longer be in my “comfortable” place while my life and the lives of others are at stake. I must be fully focused and obedient to the call that has been placed on my life. Someone’s breakthrough moment may be attached to my voice. Someone’s breakthrough moment may be attached to my testimony.

The breakthrough moment will not be because of me but because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. A “call” (Greek word klēsis) is an invitation or official summons by GOD to enter into a personal relationship with Him. A call is not based on human status but on the grace of GOD. Jesus is the giver of grace as through Him we received underserved salvation and unmerited favor. Allow GOD to do the new thing in your life while pressing forward toward the goal of the high calling of GOD in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, like Paul I have not achieved it yet, nor have I have obtained it, so I keep pressing forward by answering the call. Don’t stay stagnant in this season! Allow GOD to use you for His glory and keep moving!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, our GOD, and our Maker; we thank you for the gift of life as your grace and mercy is sufficient! We believe in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross and resurrection power. We ask that you grant us our hearts desire to have a deeper and closer relationship with your son Jesus. Help us O Lord to answer Your call and to be obedient to Your will for our lives as we continue to yield to the leading of Holy Spirit that dwells within us. We declare and decree that Your plans and purposes for our lives shall come to pass in Jesus mighty name we pray! Amen.

Written By Guest Writer: Michellene Griffin-Ballard