HomeGrownSample

Calling:
Welcome to the HomeGrown Plan! I'm Johnny Moore, and over the next 5 days, I hope to equip you in 5 key areas: in your calling, in your vision, structurally, culturally, and in your influence.

Today, let's talk about calling. Much is said about “seeing the big picture,” especially when it comes to leadership and vision, and rightly so. Here’s the thing about the big picture: it only becomes clear when you recognize and understand the small picture. I believe the small picture has to do with your calling. Though your calling is not a small thing, you have to look small to see it.

It’s easy to be distracted by the big picture and miss the small things. Many times, others understand the call on your life before you understand it. It’s not their responsibility or their place to tell you that you are called by God. But at times, God uses others to guide you and point you in a direction where you can hear it for yourself. We see this vividly in the story of Samuel and Eli.

The story goes that the boy Samuel’s mother had taken him to the temple for mentoring under Eli. Hearing from God was something that had become foreign during those times, and Samuel had no reference at all as to what it meant to “hear from God.” God called to Samuel three times, and every time Samuel heard the voice, he thought Eli was calling him. Eventually, Eli recognized that God was speaking to Samuel, and he guided Samuel in hearing God’s voice for himself.

And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”—1 Samuel 3:9-10 (NASB 1995)

You must listen for that “still small voice” that calls and summons you. God is not standing by the side of the road waving His arms at you. When He speaks to us, it is our job to recognize His call. Then, we respond to His call and obey. Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27, NASB 1995).

The calling of God is a powerful thing. Knowing the God of the universe has called you and set you apart for a purpose is imperative. The important aspect here is the “knowing.” I have had people talk to me about their call from God, and many of them referred to hearing and accepting God’s call in a revival meeting, church service, at youth camp, or through a prophecy given to them. For me, God’s call evolved over a period of time.

I didn’t hear God in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire (see 1 Kings 19:11-13). I heard Him in the gentle nudges in my Spirit. I heard Him in the darkness of a jail cell. I heard Him while working in the glass shop with my dad. I heard Him while driving a tour bus across the country. I heard Him as He confirmed His Word in my life in certain situations. I heard Him as I wept while walking through the community I love. So, what's your calling? You may not be aware of it yet, but God has a purpose for you.