THE CALL: A Wholehearted Commitment to the King

Are you following your agenda or His? Answering "The Call" of God is more than just a one-time decision; it is a lifestyle of wholehearted commitment. Drawing from the life of the disciples and a recent personal mission on a ferry in the Caribbean, this blog explores why obedience often requires us to leave our "nets" behind and why, as believers, we are always on call for the Kingdom.

C. Atkinson

5/17/20243 min read

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“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” — Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NLT)

Praise the Lord, everyone! The Bible tells us to let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150). Whether you are at your job, in the supermarket, or sitting on the bus, I want to encourage you: let nothing hold you back from giving Him your all. Hallelujah!

Answering the Call

As children of God, "THE CALL" to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord is both an honor and a privilege. However, it requires a spirit of obedience and sacrifice. No matter the cost, we must submit.

Think of the first disciples. When Jesus called them, it required an immediate and drastic life change. Matthew 4 tells us that Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their nets, their boats, and even their fathers at once to follow Him. Their faith was activated by the Word of God, and they trusted that He would provide for them as they transitioned from catching fish to "fishing for people."

Beyond Our Own Agenda

It is so easy to get caught up in our own plans and lose sight of our true reason for living. But God expects us to adapt to His plan, not the other way around. As we grow deeper in Him, He fills us with a hunger to love Him with everything we have.

Answering the call begins with belief and moves into action. On the Day of Pentecost, when the people heard the Gospel, their hearts were "pricked," and they asked, "What must we do?" Peter gave them the answer that still stands today: Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

This promise is for you, for your children, and for everyone the Lord calls. It’s a gift that was paid in full so that we might have eternal life and one day receive glorified, imperishable bodies.

On Call for Jesus: A Testimony from the Sea

I want to share a testimony from this past week. I had been craving a vacation, and the Lord provided an opportunity for me to visit the beautiful island of St. Vincent. As a servant of the Lord, I am usually on the go, so I was excited for some personal time.

However, while I was on a ferry to the island of Bequia, I felt a familiar "push" from the Holy Spirit. He wanted me to stand up and proclaim the Gospel right there on the boat. I’ll be honest—I was nervous! I prayed for boldness for about five minutes before I finally stood up and addressed the passengers.

I told them, "I am a servant of Jesus Christ, and my trip here would be in vain if I didn't tell you that Jesus is coming back!" I shared the plan of salvation from Acts 2:38. Some people were receptive; others looked at me like I was crazy. But I have a made-up mind: I will obey the Lord no matter the cost. My vacation was wonderful, but my "assignment" was more important.

Rise and Respond

Are you struggling with fear, anxiety, or doubt that keeps you from obeying "THE CALL"? My prayer for you today is that your faith would be activated. In Deuteronomy 6, Moses reminded the people to talk about God’s commands when they sit at home, when they walk on the road, when they lie down, and when they get up.

We must be careful to follow His instructions in every detail. Remember: Obedience is better than sacrifice. When you answer the call, you are officially "on call" for Jesus at all times and in all places.

God bless you always! Keep listening for His voice.