You don’t have to be bold, skilled, or fearless for God to call you. You have to be willing. Here's what happens when you finally say yes.
As a small child, there was something that drew me to church. So much so that I took it upon myself to walk to church when my parents couldn’t go. I was not yet a Believer, but God was still working within my young heart, even then, drawing me to Himself, yet my surrender to Christ would not happen until decades later. In my 20s, the Lord began tugging at my heart more and more. He used various people to draw me to Himself over ten years. At first, I rejected the call, but then a softening occurred as Jesus opened my heart to truly receive Him. The conversion happened quietly, without fanfare, but within my heart and soul, when I gave my life to Christ in my early 30s.
Everyone’s testimony is different, and although this is a Reader’s Digest version of mine, many of you might be able to relate to a longer process of becoming a Believer. Even if you didn’t have past experiences of God tugging at your heart and yours was a sudden conversion, God still called you. But does He stop calling us once we have become Believers? Absolutely not! In fact, our call has only just begun!
When the Lord commanded Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, He called those who would do the work. Not only that, HE gave them the skill to do so. “And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you.” Exodus 31:6 These workmen were handpicked by God to complete this most important work for the Kingdom of God, not because of their ability, but because HE would give the desire in their hearts and the skill needed to complete the work.
Fast forward to 2025, there may not be a Tabernacle needing construction, but there is a dying world out there that needs Jesus! The call upon our lives as Christians is more important now than ever, ESPECIALLY in light of Charlie Kirk’s martyrdom. He was the epitome of sharing the Truth in Love. We might think, “Oh, well, I’m not as knowledgeable in the Scriptures as he was.” Or “I’m too introverted to speak to others.” I’m sure we all could come up with excuses why we wouldn’t be good vessels in the capacity of workmen for the Kingdom of God. But we ALL have a call on our lives to share the love of Christ and the Gospel. Yes, not all of us have been called to be Pastors, Speakers, or Teachers, BUT we all have been called in our unique God-given way to be workmen for the Kingdom of God. Let’s break down the call…
Listening to His still, Small Voice.
When I was officially an empty-nester, I clung to Jesus. During that time, the Lord started “speaking” to me about leading a women’s Bible Study. I told Him that you’ve got the wrong girl, and I don’t have what it takes to lead in that way. The
still, small voice continued… I then told the Lord that if this is what YOU want, you will have to make it happen. When I attended women’s Bible study that week, I was approached by one of the current leaders who asked if I would be willing to take over as leader for another woman who was stepping down. I immediately remembered the Lord calling me in on this and my “challenge” to Him, if you will. At that point, I knew the Lord would be with me as I led the women. I did not have to worry about any perceived inadequacies I thought I might have. Not only that, but He had put my name in the hearts of those other women. It was clear that this was God-ordained, not because I was wonderful, but God…
If you feel the Lord nudging you to do something for the Kingdom of God, keep your eyes and ears open for how He will confirm it. Be open to obedience and watch how God will move you into that position. I promise you will be amazed. He does NOT make mistakes when He calls the called.
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or turn to the left”. Isaiah 30:21
Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone
As a Bible study leader and MOPs mentor, I started to feel God placing a desire in me to speak in front of women. That desire was both terrifying and confusing. I am NOT a public speaker by ANY stretch! But then I was approached about speaking in front of the MOPs group, about 60 people. Remembering the earlier call upon my heart to be a speaker, I agreed. The day came, but I was sick with a cold. I thought to myself, “Really, God??” I was already outside of my comfort zone. Now the cold caused me to rely on Him even more. With the aid of index cards as prompts, also outside of my comfort zone, the Lord brought to memory what I would say. Even though I was physically shaking the whole time, everyone told me afterwards that I seemed very calm. That was all the Lord!
Obey the call that takes you outside of your comfort zone. In fact, most Kingdom work probably will be outside of your comfort zone. BUT with the Lord you CAN do it. Don’t sell yourself short. He qualifies the call. He placed that desire within you. Don’t let it scare you, but be an obedient workman for the Kingdom of God. I promise the Lord will be with you and give you the grace you need.
“And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you.” Hebrews 4:16
Working in the Strength of God Alone
The Lord has blessed me in ministry. What started as a call to lead women’s Bible study continues with me as a Pastor’s wife, something I never imagined or envisioned I’d be. As an introvert, when I am conducting myself in that role, it is like an out-of-body experience.
experience. I don’t recognize the person I am. A woman with confidence to approach people with intentionality, as an extrovert would. The Lord is working through me as I walk in the strength of the Lord. This is supernatural for me. Every Sunday, I am not seeking this strength out (although I certainly could!), but He is already working in me.
Remember, the Lord will never place a call on your life that He isn’t planning on being present in or giving you the strength and skill necessary to complete the work. Trust God’s promises that He IS your refuge and strength. Rely on His strength as a workman for the Kingdom of God.
“I walk in the strength of the Lord God. I will proclaim Your righteousness— Yours alone”. Psalm 71:16 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13
I share my experiences as a template, not necessarily as an aspiration. Your call could look very different, but it is NO less important for the Kingdom of God. A mother is called to raise her children to love and serve the Lord. You may be caring for aging parents, a quiet, heartbreaking work that no one sees, but is no less important for the Kingdom of God. You may be a school teacher who is the only model of Christ’s love and compassion to those children. You may be a business professional who sets the moral tone for your office, modeling Christ within you. You may feel called to evangelize. Whatever it is, God has called you to those situations for this time.
Lord help me be contemplative, hear your still small voice, and trust and obey the call you are placing on my life. In Jesus name
1. Is there something you feel the Lord is calling you to do for the Kingdom of God?
2. How will you answer that call?
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