step up - answer the call

God doesn’t call the PREPARED. God PREPARES the called.

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Ephesians 4:1

3 things we are called to:
• God calls us to salvation.
• God calls us to sanctification
• God calls us to service.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
1 Corinthians 1:26

God doesn’t call the prepared. God prepares the called.

Sometimes the criticism from people confirms Calling of God!

TWO QUALITIES OF CALLING

1) CALLING COSTS
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Acts 9:15-16

The moment you step into your calling, you step out of your comfort zone.

God often uses our deepest pain to launch our greatest calling!

PRIVATE PAIN is a big part of PUBLIC CALLING

Serving Jesus is a GIFT—GRIND!
Living your call is a THRILL—BURDEN!
Ministry is EXHILARATING—EXHAUSTING!

2) CALLING SUSTAINS

…Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

…We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you!
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12