Sunday Sermon: Answering the Call

by Minister Denise N. Fyffe

The Call to Ministry when it comes from God is hard to deny. I have been wrestling with this topic for a few weeks now and I believe that there was some subconscious fear beneath the surface that prevented me from fully exploring what had happened to me a few months before. When it happened, I did not question it but rather felt a forceful urge to figure out how to accomplish the driving desire within me.

So, I decided to reflect on others in the bible who had similar experiences and analyze their realities to better equip myself.

Samuel’s Call

The story of Samuel answering the call of God is a beautiful example of how God speaks to his children and how they can respond to him.

Samuel was a young boy who served the Lord under the priest Eli in the temple of Shiloh. One night, while he was sleeping near the ark of God, he heard a voice calling his name. He thought it was Eli, so he ran to him and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; lie down again.”

This happened three times until Eli realized that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel. He told Samuel to go back and lie down, and if he heard the voice again, to say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”

So, Samuel did as Eli instructed him.

The fourth time, the Lord called Samuel again and said, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” Then the Lord revealed to Samuel his plan to judge the house of Eli for their wickedness and disobedience.

Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision, but Eli urged him to share everything that the Lord had said. Samuel told him the truth, and Eli accepted it as the word of the Lord. From that day on, Samuel grew in favor with the Lord and with people. He became a prophet of God who spoke his words faithfully to Israel.

The Lord continued to appear to him in Shiloh and reveal himself through his word (1 Samuel 3:1-21 NKJV).

This story teaches us that God can speak to anyone, even a child and that he wants us to listen to him and obey him. It also shows us that we need godly mentors like Eli who can help us recognize God’s voice and follow his guidance. God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us, and he calls us by name to serve him. We can answer his call by saying, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”

The Call

I have been saved for over 25 years and increasingly grew in understanding that I was meant to be a servant of God. I was baptized as a child, accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and was soon truly filled by the Holy Spirit.

Not the initial experience that happened before, but the true filling that occurred while I was at summer camp, from a mighty rushing wind that bowled me out of my seat onto the floor speaking in multiple tongues.

That filling.

That filling changed everything.

At a young age, I experienced the supernatural. From a baby actually. I saw things, sensed things, knew things, and heard things. But I still did not understand all these things. However, once I got saved the devil made himself known and I felt the tug of war for my soul.

While I did many things to serve God, I believe I truly did not hear the call in the spirit and somewhat in physical until this summer of 2023.

That faithful morning, I woke up from hearing a voice and feeling like there was a charge to devote myself to ministry officially. I felt like someone put the expensive supercharge gas in my tank and I was rearing to go.

I got the call, but I could not act on the call.

Then, recently it’s like the clouds cleared and I had the directive of what to do to transition to the next phase of my life.

This happens often for me, but especially when I am writing or working. I feel the holy spirit just takes over and I do what I am supposed to do and at the same time know what I am supposed to do.

Answering the Call is Not Always Easy

Being a servant of God is not easy and if you have a particular gifting that offends even your own ‘church’ brethren, believe me, that call is a heavier burden than all others.

Being a servant of God can disrupt your life.

Being a servant of God can offend those around you. Unless they are mature, spirit-led Christians that know how to discern and be obedient to what God is doing.

Being a servant of God often hurts.

It often interrupts your plans.

It often exposes you to betrayal, disrespect, hurt, anger, lack, and self-denial.

Answering the call can really blow your expectations out of the water and be a rude awakening. Let’s look at some examples from the bible.

The Story of Daniel

One example is Daniel, who was taken captive in Babylon along with many other Jews. Daniel was faithful to God and refused to compromise his worship, even when he faced persecution and death threats. Daniel was gifted with wisdom and understanding, and God revealed to him many mysteries and prophecies. Daniel prayed to God regularly and sought His will in everything. Daniel also confessed his sins and the sins of his people and pleaded for God’s mercy and restoration.

Daniel 9:4-5 (NKJV) says:

“And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, ‘O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.’”

Daniel 10:19 (NKJV) says:

“And he said, ‘O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!’ So, when he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, ‘Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

From Daniel’s story, we can learn that answering God’s call means being loyal to Him, trusting Him in demanding situations, seeking His guidance and revelation, and praying for His forgiveness and intervention.

The Story of Abraham

Read Genesis 12:1-4 (NKJV).

Abraham’s story is a remarkable testament to the power of faith and obedience. At the age of 75, God called him to leave his homeland, Ur of the Chaldeans, and embark on a journey to an unknown land. The Lord promised to make Abraham a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him.

Despite the uncertainties and challenges that lay ahead, Abraham demonstrated unwavering trust in God’s promise and set out on this faith-filled adventure. His journey eventually led him to the land of Canaan, where he became the father of many nations and a model of faith for future generations.

The Story of Moses

Read Exodus 3:1-10 (NKJV).

Moses’ encounter with the burning bush is a poignant illustration of God’s transformative call. In the quiet wilderness, God spoke to Moses, instructing him to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. Moses’ initial reluctance stemmed from his feelings of inadequacy and fear of speaking, but God reassured him with His presence and signs.

Through a series of miraculous events, Moses confronted Pharaoh, led the Israelites through the Red Sea, and received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Moses’ journey from a hesitant shepherd to a courageous leader highlights how God equips and empowers those He calls.

The Story of Gideon

Read Judges 6:11-16 (NKJV).

Gideon’s story highlights God’s ability to use the seemingly insignificant to achieve remarkable victories. Gideon was called to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Despite his doubts and concerns about his own insignificance, Gideon obeyed God’s instructions to reduce his army drastically.

Through a series of tests and signs, Gideon’s faith grew, and he led a small but faithful army to defeat the Midianites. This narrative emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s strength rather than human might.

The Story of David

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (NKJV).

David’s story is one of unexpected elevation and divine preparation. Anointed as king while still a young shepherd, David faced many trials on his journey to the throne. His encounter with Goliath demonstrated his unwavering faith in God’s power.

Despite later challenges, including King Saul’s jealousy and personal mistakes, David’s commitment to God marked him as a “man after God’s own heart.” His rule as king became a pivotal chapter in Israel’s history, marked by both triumphs and tribulations.

The Story of Jeremiah

Read Jeremiah 1:4-10 (NKJV).

Jeremiah’s calling as a prophet is a testament to God’s sovereign choice and empowerment. Despite his doubts about his youth and abilities, God assured Jeremiah that He had appointed him as a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah’s ministry involved delivering messages of warning, repentance, and hope to stubborn and rebellious people. His commitment to speaking the truth, even in the face of persecution, highlights the courage and perseverance required when answering God’s call.

The Story of Mary

Read Luke 1:26-38 (NKJV).

Mary’s story reflects the profound impact of divine intervention in human lives. An ordinary young woman, Mary received a miraculous visit from the angel Gabriel, who informed her that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. Her response, “Let it be to me according to your word,” highlights her humility and obedience.

Despite the social and personal challenges, she faced, Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus marked her as a vessel of God’s redemptive plan.

The Story of Paul

Read Acts 9:1-19 (NKJV):

Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle underscores the power of encountering the risen Christ. On the road to Damascus, Paul was struck blind by a blinding light and heard Jesus’ voice. This experience led to his conversion and a radical redirection of his life. Paul’s subsequent ministry was marked by his deep theological insights, extensive missionary journeys, and enduring commitment to spreading the gospel.

The Story of John the Baptist

The story of John the Baptist’s call is a significant and inspiring narrative within the Christian tradition. John, often referred to as the Baptist, held a unique role as the forerunner of Jesus Christ, and his life and ministry left an indelible mark on the faith.

John’s distinctive call to baptism served as a symbol of repentance and spiritual renewal. Through the act of baptism, he encouraged his followers to publicly demonstrate their commitment to turning away from sin and seeking God’s forgiveness. This pivotal aspect of John’s ministry is highlighted in Luke 3:3, where his call to baptism is introduced. Remarkably, even Jesus Christ, the Son of God, chose to undergo John’s baptism as an example of humility and identification with humanity in their spiritual journey.

In Matthew 11:11, Jesus Himself lauds John’s significance, affirming that among those born of women, none were greater than John the Baptist. This proclamation underscores the profound impact of John’s role as the herald of the Messiah and his unwavering dedication to his divine calling.

The miraculous conception of John, as detailed in Luke 1:39-45, further adds to the extraordinary nature of his life. John’s birth to elderly parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, was an event of divine intervention, echoing the patterns of miraculous births in the Old Testament. This miraculous conception served as a precursor to the even greater miracle of Jesus’ virgin birth and solidified John’s role in preparing the way for the Savior.

John the Baptist’s call, marked by his baptismal ministry, his unique identity as the Baptist, and his miraculous conception, stands as a testament to God’s intricate plan in human history. His life, purposefully intertwined with the life of Jesus, serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of God’s redemptive story. In his humility, devotion, and unwavering commitment to his calling, John set a powerful example for Christians, encouraging them to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ and to live lives dedicated to the service of God’s kingdom.

You Gotta Be Bold

It can be difficult to answer the call when it comes.

Sometimes, it can be downright frightening and disruptive.

However, in all these stories, answering God’s call involved a willingness to step into the unknown, to face personal insecurities, and to trust in God’s guidance. The journeys of these individuals are reminders that responding to God’s call often involves embracing the unexpected and relying on His strength. Their narratives continue to inspire believers to walk in faith, obedience, and devotion to God’s purposes.

Personal Reflection

I have been in a truly reflective and humbling space. I feel as if everything before this was vanity. Even those things done in my various churches or for Christian ministries; all seem insignificant to what I am feeling on the inside.

However, I will state that they were preparing me for what is on ground now. They were the lessons that taught me what to do and what not to do. For whom to be and who not to be. They were the lessons of how to go about things and what, who, and where to avoid.

Without those lessons, there would be no preparation. And I would not be ready for the call.

Romans 8:28-30 (NKJV) says:

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

This passage from the Book of Romans emphasizes the interconnectedness of God’s calling, predestination, justification, and glorification. It asserts that those whom God foreknew, He predestined to become like His Son, Jesus Christ. This predestination is intricately linked to God’s calling.

Those whom He predestined, He also called; those whom He called, He justified and glorified. This passage highlights God’s sovereignty in the process of salvation and His purpose to conform believers to the image of Christ.

Deeper Understanding with the Word

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NKJV) says:

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”

In this passage from Ephesians, it is stated that God chose believers in Christ even before the world was created. This act of choosing is intertwined with predestination, as God predestined those He chose to be adopted as His children through Jesus Christ. The concept of predestination here underscores God’s divine will and the ultimate purpose of holiness and love.

2 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV) says:

“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.”

This verse highlights the idea that God’s calling is not based on human merit or works but is rooted in His purpose and grace. The calling is described as a “holy calling” that was given to believers in Christ before the beginning of time. This emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s plan and the role of His grace in the process of salvation.

These passages underscore the profound theological concepts of God’s calling and predestination, depicting how God’s sovereign plan for salvation is intricately woven into the fabric of human history and existence. They encourage believers to recognize their identity as those chosen and called by God, grounded in His eternal purposes and grace.

The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look and reflect on your life. Is God calling you? Have you been ignoring him? What can you do to change that? What can you do to take the first step and trust that he will help you to take the next step?

Be encouraged.

Be bold. Answer the Call.

In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

Meditate on God’s Word

Many Christians struggle daily to live according to God’s word. But we need daily nourishment. That is why it is important to read your bible daily; even if it is a few verses and meditate on them.

Today, read Romans 8, especially verses 9-11, and get a copy of the daily devotional Be Encouraged.

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About the writer:

Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey and knowledge of the Bible with others. In addition to her passion for writing, Fyffe is actively involved in community outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.