One of the great mysteries of call for me is why God calls who God calls. Can anyone explain why God called Abram and Sarai? We aren’t told that they were more pious, faithful, or intellegent than others. Surely there were other good people in Haran. (Genesis 12:1).
Or take the disciples that Jesus called. Aside from the fact that we are given no reason why they responded when Jesus called, we are not told why Jesus chose them rather than some others. The Bible is pretty blunt in pointing out that both Abram and Sarai and the disciples had ethical lapses, didn’t always make good decisions, and at times thought more about their own benefits than that of others.
What is it that causes some to experience a sense of God’s call in their lives and other perfectly good people to not feel that inner stirring? And when it comes to clergy, Christian educators, or missionaries, why did they experience that call. Why did I?
I think it is pretty clear that sensing God’s call in our life is not a sign of moral superiority. In fact the Bible suggests that God has a penchant for calling ethically questionable rascals on a rather frequent basis. Think of Jacob, Moses, some of the judges, David, several of the disciples, and Paul. There are lots of reasons we might not have chosen such people, but God did.
If you have that strong sense that God is calling you, it is not a reason for pride. It may be a good reason to be scared. It is certainly a reason for awe and humility.
Why does God call those whom God has called?
