Does the thought of being called by God scare you? Are you like the child in the classroom who didn’t read the assigned text and hopes the teacher doesn’t call on you? Do you feel as though there is too much on your plate already and you don’t need God adding to it?
We often think God only calls people to the big tasks. When we think of being called, we think of missionaries, pastors, or another significant ministry. But God calls people for numerous reasons and often right where they are at.
Jesus related to Simon Peter in his own language. He told him he would fish, but for something different. In many ways, the concepts were the same. Throw out the net. Pull it in. Did you catch anything? Cast out the line with a hook and bait. Reel it back in.
Jesus often does the same with us today. He calls us to work for Him in the places we are. We may be in an office setting, in construction, in retail, or even within our families. There are only a few whom He calls to completely change their profession.
When Jesus calls, there is no doubt. There will be a stirring within us, or a jolt that shocks us. It can come at any time and any age. He may even call on us multiple times before we finally relinquish our hardheaded refusal and accept His call.
John Wesley was called twice. He was first called early in life to pursue ministry and became a priest in the Anglican Church. After having preached in several churches and going on a mission to Savannah, Georgia, Wesley was depressed. It was during this low period in his life that his second call came. It was during a service in Aldersgate Street that his heart was “strangely warmed.” God let him know in no uncertain terms that Christ had died for him and for his forgiveness. God may call us multiple times during our lives.
I pray we all listen for God’s call upon our lives. I pray we answer His call with a resounding yes! I pray each one of us overcomes our fear and understands that God will provide for whatever ministry He may be calling us to. Listen for God’s call. Answer His call. Trust that God will provide. You are never too old for God to call. God will use you right where you are.
Luke 5:10b Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will fish for people.”
Marty Pressey 