The Call of God: Responding to His Voice in the Ordinary

Have you ever felt that God was calling you to something greater, but doubted whether it could really be true? The story of Moses and the burning bush offers profound insights into how God calls us and what our response should be.
God's call often comes in the ordinary moments of life. Moses was simply tending his flock, going about his daily routine, when suddenly he encountered the extraordinary. A bush that burned but was not consumed caught his attention, and in that moment, God spoke.
This teaches us an important lesson: we must be attentive in our everyday lives. God may be trying to get our attention in the midst of our normal routines. Are we too busy, too distracted, or too consumed with our own plans to notice? The challenge is to be like Moses - willing to "turn aside" and give God our full attention when He interrupts our routine.
The call of God is both holy and personal. When Moses approached the burning bush, God instructed him to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. This reminds us that encountering the living God is not a casual affair. It requires reverence and recognition of His holiness.
Yet at the same time, God's call is deeply personal. He addressed Moses by name and identified Himself as "the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." God knows us intimately and calls us individually. He's not sending out generic invitations, but personally inviting us into His plans.
Importantly, God's call always aligns with His mission of redemption. In Moses' case, God revealed that He had seen the suffering of His people in Egypt and was calling Moses to be part of their deliverance. This pattern holds true throughout Scripture and in our lives today. When God calls us, it's always in service of His greater purpose to redeem and reconcile people to Himself.
This should challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we actively participating in God's mission of redemption? Or have we become complacent, content to enjoy our own salvation without concern for those who are still lost? The analogy of a firefighter is apt - we don't rescue people for our own glory, but because lives are at stake. In the same way, sharing the gospel isn't about us, it's about the urgent need for people to hear about Jesus.
Perhaps one of the most encouraging aspects of God's call is that it always comes with His presence and power. When Moses doubted his own adequacy for the task, God's response was simple yet profound: "I will be with you." This promise echoes throughout Scripture - to Joshua as he led Israel, to Gideon as he faced the Midianites, and to the disciples as Jesus gave the Great Commission.
This truth should bolster our courage. Whatever God is calling us to do, He's not sending us alone. He goes with us, empowering us for the task. Our inadequacies are not disqualifications, because God's call rests not on our abilities, but on His presence and power working through us.
The story of Moses teaches us that God's call is real, and it's for everyone. Young or old, experienced or novice, God can and does call each of us to participate in His work. The question is not whether God is calling, but whether we will answer.
For some, that call might be to salvation - to turn from sin and trust in Jesus for the first time. For others, it might be a call to deeper obedience, to step out in faith to serve in a new way, or even to enter full-time ministry. Whatever the specifics, the principle remains the same: when we hear God's voice, we must respond.
Reflecting on this message, consider these questions:

1. Am I attentive to God's voice in my everyday life? Or am I too distracted to notice when He's trying to get my attention?
2. Do I approach God with both reverence for His holiness and appreciation for His personal love for me?
3. How am I actively participating in God's mission of redemption? Am I sharing the good news of Jesus with others?
4. Where do I feel inadequate or insecure? How can I lean on God's presence and power instead of my own abilities?
5. What might God be calling me to do? Am I willing to respond in obedience?

The call of God is a profound gift, an invitation to participate in His work of redemption. It often comes in ordinary moments, but it's always holy and personal. It aligns with God's mission and comes with the assurance of His presence and power.
Don't let fear, insecurity, or busyness cause you to miss or ignore God's call. Instead, be like Moses - turn aside from your routine, give God your attention, and be willing to say "Here I am" when He calls your name. You may feel inadequate for the task, but remember: the One who calls you is faithful, and He will go with you every step of the way.
God is calling. Will you answer?