Central Truth

We must listen to God's calling and obey… immediately.

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Reflections

What does God want me to do with my life? Have you ever waited on a grand plan or sign from God about where you should go next or what you should do?

It seems that it would be easier if I could just hear God's voice and know exactly what He wants of me. At times, I have been stuck because I am second guessing what God might be telling me. I think, "That can't be what He means. That doesn't make any sense." Sometimes I rationalize following my own desires or do what I want because I'm not sure of God's direction. What if I could actually converse with God? Wouldn't it be easier if God would just speak to me like He did to Abraham?

God gave Abraham a very tall order, and Abraham obeyed God "on that very day"! We don't see Abraham respond, "Are you sure?", "Are you speaking figuratively?", "Why would I do this?" We also don't see Abraham putting God on hold to understand the plan. Abraham hears God's calling and acts (at great personal pain).

This Scripture challenged me to think about how I hear and answer God's calling. In reality, I don't need to audibly hear the voice of God to know what He wants me to do on a daily basis. The Bible is full of God's direction and guidance.

For example:

We are called to pursue God by knowing His words and His rules. (Psalm 119:9-16)
We are called to love God and those around us. (Matthew 22:34-40)
We are called to tell others about Christ and make disciples. (Matthew 28:16-20)
We are called to serve those in need. (Matthew 25:44-46)

I already know all of these and more. The question is, do I act on them? God is constantly guiding me through Scripture, prayer, sermons at church, discussions in my small group, other believers, and simply by paying attention to the people around me.

The critical element is whether I choose to immediately obey God's voice or whether I ignore His calling. If I obey God daily, I know that I am doing what God wants with my life.

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Discussion Questions

1. How does God speak to you? If you don't feel like He does, are you engaged in activities (Bible study, fellowship with believers, worship, silence, etc.) that allow you to hear God?

2. What are some of the fundamental commands that God gives all believers that you struggle to live out?

3. Do you react to God's call with quick obedience or with excuses and rationalizations?

4. What keeps you from obeying God's calling?

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