The Man God SentSample

God’s Calling

The Bible says, “God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony” (John 1:6–7). That’s actually the name of this devotional plan: “The Man God Sent.” John the Baptist lived in the desert, sleeping on the ground, eating locusts, looking like a savage. He was fully dedicated to preparing the way for the Messiah. 

God has called many of us like He called John the Baptist. God sent this man, and he went. He sent me, and I went. Jesus, at the end of the Gospel of Mark, told His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15). He gave what’s called the Great Commission. That’s a call to all Christians, all believers.

God puts calls on our lives; that’s why you were created. Some of you God called to be a mom or a dad. Some are called to be a light at work, whether you work as an attorney or in a doctor’s office. Others are called to go and serve in some other country, or to make sandwiches, help the poor, or preach. Have you answered God’s call? Are you living out the life He created you for? 

Satan can play mind games with you. He was messing with my mind as I put this message together. I was literally telling my wife that I didn’t even know if I should be teaching the Bible. I mean, I can throw a concert together in my sleep, work on product, do marketing, calls—I can do that all day long. But putting together a Bible study, sitting quietly to hear God’s voice without being all ADD—that’s a nightmare. Satan was like, “Dude, you suck. You can’t even read. You stumble all over your words. You’re dumb. You can’t do this.” I said, “You’re right, I can’t. I have a 5th grade reading level. I do stutter when I talk fast. I am nervous—terrified, even. All I know is that God called me, and I’m going.”

You get a call, and you go. As you step out by faith, God’s meets you at every single step. Sometimes you’re in a desperate situation before you realize that God is right there with you. You can’t be comfortable when it comes to God. We live by faith, not by sight. Get uncomfortable. Live out your call.