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Answering God's Holy Calling: Embracing Your Divine Purpose
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12 NIV). The Bible is filled with examples of individuals answering God’s holy calling. From Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 and Elijah in 1 Kings 19, these stories illustrate how God reaches out to His people, often amid fear or uncertainty. When Jesus walked the earth, He continued this pattern, calling people to follow Him. Even today, God is still calling us, patiently waiting for us to respond.
Understanding Your Divine Purpose
Often, it is easier to recognize that we are being called than to understand what we are called to do. As we consider our own journeys, it’s essential to grasp that God’s calling is not merely about saving us from something; rather, it is about saving us for something. 2 Timothy 1:9 says: “He has saved us and called us to a holy calling.” This calling is unique to each individual, set apart by God, and thus pure and holy. It urges us to abandon reliance on our own deeds and instead turn to Christ for salvation.
Living in unrepentant sin creates a separation from God, leaving a void that nothing earthly can fill. When we live according to the Spirit, however, we acknowledge that while sin is a part of our human condition, our heavenly calling compels us to strive against it. St. Paul expresses this struggle in Romans 7:20: “Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”
Pressing Toward Your Holy Calling
Is this the longing of your heart? Does your life reflect a pursuit of God and His divine will? In Philippians 3:13-14, we learn the importance of letting go of the past and focusing on our holy calling from God: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Living Out Your Holy Calling
Answering God’s holy calling means allowing it to shape and refine your heart, directing your desires toward heavenly treasures. This calling elevates your hopes, tastes, and aspirations, shifting your focus from selfish earthly pursuits to a deep desire to know God, become more like Him, and lead others to Him. It is a journey that prunes the old and purifies the new, making room for a life that mirrors the love and holiness of Christ. So, are you ready to embrace your holy calling and walk boldly in the purpose that God has set before you?
Prayer: Dear God please help us to find time to be alone with you to hear and understanding your calling. Please give us the courage to take up our cross and to bring others to know you as we do. We want to grow closer to you and ask that you help us leave behind all desires that lead to death and give us a heart that longs to see your face. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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