The summons of God is a clarion call that demands absolute allegiance, a commitment unencumbered by fear or worldly consequence. “If God truly calls you, no matter the price, do it. If He did not, do not proceed,” is not merely advice; it is a spiritual axiom grounded in divine wisdom and tested by the saints of old. In a world rife with distractions and counterfeit callings, discerning the authentic voice of God becomes paramount for every believer longing to fulfill their divine destiny.
The apostle Paul, in his unwavering pursuit of God’s purpose, declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). This endurance was no casual endeavour but the result of heeding a call that transcended temporal comfort. Likewise, contemporary ministers resounds this truth. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome teaches, “A true call from God demands a lifestyle transformation; it is not for convenience but for conquest.”
Yet, divine calling is not a blanket mandate for relentless labour without discernment. The Scripture warns, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Discernment protects from the pitfalls of false zeal. Katherine Kuhlman once noted, “God’s call is accompanied by peace; if there is confusion or turmoil, pause and pray for clarity.”
The costly nature of obedience is unmistakable. Benny Hinn famously said, “The call of God will cost you everything, but it will give you everything in return.” The willingness to surrender all, including comfort, relationships, and reputation, is the hallmark of those who walk in divine purpose. This reverbrates the profound sacrifice of Christ Himself, who declared, “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23).
However, false calling leads to spiritual depletion and misdirected effort. In such cases, obedience to God means knowing when to stop, when to decline, and when to trust His timing for the right assignment. It is wisdom—not weakness—to refrain from endeavours lacking divine confirmation.
In Nigeria and across the globe, multitudes have fallen victim to counterfeit callings, mistaking personal ambition for divine direction. This confusion breeds frustration, burnout, and disillusionment. The church must recover the ability to discern true callings, nurturing a culture where divine instructions are weighed with prayerful rigour and prophetic counsel.
The hidden work of God often unfolds in seasons of waiting and testing, as Bishop Duncan Williams expounds: “The delay is not denial but preparation. God calls you, then shapes you before He sends you forth.” The waiting room is not a place of inactivity but divine incubation.
Therefore, every believer must ask: Is this truly God’s voice or my own desire? The answer rests in the alignment of peace, Scripture, prophetic confirmation, and a supernatural burden that cannot be ignored. When these converge, the call is undeniable and must be pursued with unwavering resolve.
In conclusion, God’s call is not a mere invitation but a divine imperative. The choice to obey demands courage, clarity, and sometimes sacrifice. But when that call is authentic, the price paid is but a down payment for eternal reward and supernatural favor.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The call is real. The cost is high. The reward is beyond measure. Walk wisely, obey boldly, and wait patiently.
– Inah Boniface Ocholi writes from Ayah – Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi state.
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