When Your Calling Is Called to Action
By Jerry Adesewo
One of the greatest privileges of being a Christian is that God does not just save us; He also calls us. Salvation is not an end in itself but the beginning of a divine assignment. Every believer has a call, and every call is tied to a ministry. But too often, many of us hear the call, accept it in principle, yet fail to recognize the moments when God calls that call into action.
READ ALSO: The Mathematics of Life: Christ is the Answer
What Do We Mean by “Call”?
The word “call” is the divine invitation to serve God’s purpose in our generation. It is God’s way of saying, “I have chosen you for a reason, and I am sending you.” Some are called into pulpit ministry, some into missions, some into music, some into prophetic intervention, some into administration, while many others are called into professional spheres where their light must shine in education, governance, media, health, and business. The call is not about title; it is about obedience.
What Do We Mean by “Ministry”?
Ministry is simply service. It is the outworking of the call in practical terms. To minister means to serve God, His church, and the world. It is not limited to preaching or leading prayers; it includes teaching children, encouraging the weary, building systems of justice, or even giving generously. Wherever your gifts meet the needs of people and glorify Christ, there lies your ministry.
When the Call Is Called to Action
It is one thing to acknowledge, “Yes, I am called.” It is another thing entirely to rise when that call is activated. God often creates moments—sometimes urgent, sometimes subtle—when your calling is summoned. Think of Esther: she was in the palace, enjoying her new life, until Mordecai sent word that the very survival of her people depended on her response. He told her, “Who knows if you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). That was her call being called to action.
Moses also had his call called to action when he saw the burning bush. Though he had been raised in Pharaoh’s palace and trained in Egypt’s wisdom, he was tending sheep until God interrupted him with an assignment. The call moved from potential to activation.
A Relatable Case Study
Think about a young Christian teacher in today’s Nigeria. She may see her role as “just a job for the purposes of earning salary,” but the moment a troubled student opens up about suicidal thoughts or bullying or any other issues at that, her call as a believer is called to action. At that moment, she is no longer just teaching mathematics or biology; she is ministering life and hope. If she is spiritually alert, she will recognize that this is not a coincidence but a divine opportunity to bring Christ into the situation. If she is not, she may miss it.
The same can be said of a civil servant who finds himself in a position to sign off on a corrupt deal. His calling is called to action at that very desk. Does he stand for righteousness, or does he compromise?
Why Spiritual Alertness Matters
The truth is, we do not choose the moments when our calling is activated. God does. And often, they come disguised as ordinary conversations, sudden crises, or unexpected opportunities. Jesus Himself warned His disciples, “Watch and pray…” (Matthew 26:41). To be spiritually alert is to keep your ears tuned to the Spirit and your heart ready to obey.
Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, we must keep our lamps trimmed and burning, because when the Bridegroom comes, there will be no time to start searching for oil.
Practical Ways to Stay Ready
1. Stay in the Word – The more you know Scripture, the more you recognize God’s voice in daily life.
2. Live in Prayer – Prayer sharpens your sensitivity to the Spirit’s nudges.
3. Serve Faithfully in Small Things – God often calls us to action through little acts of obedience before entrusting us with greater tasks.
4. Be Accountable – Mordecai had to remind Esther of her call. We need mentors, pastors, and brothers and sisters in Christ who hold us to our calling.
Conclusion
When your calling is called to action, will you recognize it? Will you rise like Esther, respond like Moses, and stand like Daniel? Or will you retreat into comfort and excuses?
Remember, a call that is never activated remains potential, but a call that is embraced in the moment of action becomes destiny fulfilled.
So, let us remain spiritually alert, ready at all times to serve God’s purpose. For when our calling is called to action, heaven is watching, lives are depending, and eternity is recording.
Click to join the Goodly Heritahe Message Platform https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAfgYeGzzKQTBhcTt1v