Holy Spirit Calling
By Pastor Phillip Rutledge
In Galatians 1:11-12 (NIV), Paul said, I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
Paul was divinely appointed by Christ to take the gospel to the Gentiles (the non-jews). The bible abounds with people called by God for a purpose. We recognize names like Abraham, Moses, David and Paul but perhaps not the likes of Nicodemus or Aquila & Priscilla.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, and a prominent member of the Sanhedrin. However, unlike his peers at the time, he recognized Jesus Christ as The Messiah. After the crucifixion, Nicodemus assisted Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of The Son of God. Nicodemus was chosen by God for a purpose.
Commentary in the Life Application Bible says that Priscilla and Aquila met Paul in Corinth during his second missionary journey. They opened their home to Paul, and he joined them in tent making. He shared with them his wealth of spiritual wisdom. In turn Priscilla and Aquila made the most of their spiritual education and went on using their home as a warm place for training and worship. Their hospitality opened the doorway of salvation to many. They were chosen by God for a purpose.
In verse 15 Paul said, “But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace…” Like Paul, every person in the bible had a part to play in God’s plan and it continues today. We are all play an intricate part. We all matter to God.
God is Omnipresent (in all places at all times). He continues today to call his people into service. I can imagine God watching over us and saying, “It’s her time, or it’s his time”. Then the Holy Spirit prompts that person to be all that God wants them to be.
We have the free will to decide how to respond to the Spirit’s prompting but in God’s omniscience, He already knows our answer. Interesting huh?
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
I can’t say for sure but I suspect most of us remember a time when “something” has prompting us to comfort, support or encourage someone? For those who contend it was their conscience I submit that you probably encountered the Holy Spirit.
The phrase “called by God” is impossible for the world to understand but another Christian will probably nod affirmatively.
Not sure where God is leading you? Relax, God is in control. When you feel prompted, give prayerful consideration as to how you react. You don’t need all the answers – you just need to trust God.
If you consider yourself incapable of doing what you sense God is of asking; then you are probably a prime candidate for the job. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV) That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Like Paul, when you are weak, God will strengthen you. Just remember Psalm 121:1 (KJV) I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
If you sense the Holy Spirit moving in your life, don’t suppress it – discern it. God has an assignment for you. Talk about it with a spiritual friend. Pray about it, ask God to clarify it. Jesus said in Mark 9:23 (NIV), “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Accept the call; the same Spirit that prompts you will help you see it through.
A closing thought to those in church leadership, I propose to you that it is better to train the called – than to call the trained. – S.D.G.