Hearing God’s Call

Have you ever struggled with the question "what am I supposed to do with my life?" From pretty early on in our lives, we begin to ask that question, only to discover that it reappears in almost every stage of life. So, this week, Daniel is going to lead Elisa and Bill and Rasool in looking at a few stories of “calling” in the Bible and see how these stories might help us think through where we currently are, how God may be leading us in whatever season we’re in, and what the answer to that question—what am I supposed to do with my life?—might be for us right now. Hearing God’s Call is the focus of this series of conversations on Discover the Word.

Receive

If you’ve ever struggled with the question, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" be encouraged that you’re not alone. Questioning what you’re supposed to do with your life, no matter what stage you’re in, is a common and valid question.

As we look at a few stories of “calling” in the Bible, let’s see how these stories might help us think through where we currently are and how God may be leading us in whatever season we’re in.

We can take heart that regardless of where we are in life right now, God is calling us into an ever-deepening relationship with Him, where we’re being transformed into the person that God has made us to be.

Reflect
* Why is Genesis 1–3 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201-3&version=NIV ) a good passage to begin with to discuss “calling” in the Bible?
* According to Esther 4 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%204&version=NIV ), how much of Esther’s story, or calling, has to do with what she wanted versus having to respond to what happened to her?
* Based on Ruth 1:1–18 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%201%3A1-18&version=NIV ), how does Ruth’s story demonstrate how faithfulness in the everyday is part of God’s calling on all our lives, especially when we can’t see what may come?
* According to Amos 1:1 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos%201%3A1&version=NIV ) and Amos 7:10–15 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos%207%3A10-15&version=NIV ), how does Amos’ story show us that God can call us out of our comfort zones and skill sets to do the work He has for us to do?
* What can Paul and Ananias in Acts 9:1–22 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%209%3A1-22&version=NIV ) teach us about our primary calling in life?

Respond

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)

“Dear God, thank You that You’ve called me to have a deeper relationship with You. Help me to follow You and serve You even if it seems ordinary and mundane, if it means stepping out of my comfort zone, or I feel unqualified."

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources

Mentioned in this episode:
* 7 Bible Stories to Hear God’s Calling (Reclaim Today) ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-7-bible-stories )

Listen:
* Answer the Call ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-answer-the-call )
* God Hears Her Podcast: Your Everyday Purpose (Elisa, Eryn and Vivian) ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-ghh-your-everyday-purpose )

Read:
* The Call to Discipleship: Embracing the Journey of Following Christ ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-call-to-discipleship )
* Discipleship and Obedience ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-discipleship-and-obedience )

Watch:
* Outside Your Comfort Zone | Acts 10 ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-outside-your-comfort-zone )
* A Call to Something New (Matthew 4:19-22) ( https://go.odb.org/dtw-call-to-something-new )