Hey there, let’s delve deeper into that ringing phone – not your cellphone, but the call from God that many of us tend to ignore. You know, the call to share the good news of salvation, to invite others to church or Bible study, or to serve and share our personal testimony. It’s easy to brush off that call, to let it ring and ring until it eventually stops. But here’s the thing – unlike a missed phone call, God’s call doesn’t leave a message. He doesn’t robo-dial us or hire someone to call on His behalf over and over again. He’s given us a clear directive, and it’s up to us to respond.

In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges us to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” We’ve been called by God to be His ambassadors, to share the message of salvation with others, and to live out our faith in tangible ways. But too often, we hit the ignore button on God’s call, choosing instead to focus on our own priorities and interests.

So, why do we ignore God’s call? Let’s explore some common reasons:

1. Fear: Fear of rejection, fear of failure, or fear of stepping out of our comfort zone can paralyze us and prevent us from answering God’s call. We may worry about what others will think of us or whether we’re capable of fulfilling God’s calling.

2. Self-Doubt: We may doubt our own abilities or qualifications, feeling unworthy or ill-equipped to carry out God’s purposes. We may compare ourselves to others and feel inadequate in comparison.

3. Busyness: Our lives can become so consumed with busyness – work, family, hobbies, social activities – that we neglect to make time for God and His calling on our lives. We may prioritize our own agendas over God’s agenda.

4. Distractions: In today’s fast-paced world, we’re bombarded with distractions that compete for our attention – social media, entertainment, material pursuits. These distractions can drown out the still, small voice of God calling us to Himself.

5. Comfort Zone: Stepping out in faith often requires us to leave our comfort zones and venture into the unknown. We may resist God’s call because it disrupts our familiar routines and requires us to take risks.

Do any of these reasons resonate with you? Have you found yourself making excuses or hesitating to answer God’s call because of fear, self-doubt, busyness, distractions, or a reluctance to leave your comfort zone?

But here’s the truth – God will not leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He promises to be with us every step of the way, guiding, equipping, and empowering us to fulfill His calling on our lives. We don’t have to rely on our own strength or abilities; we can trust in God’s faithfulness and provision.

Let’s take a look at some examples from the Bible of people who ignored God’s call on their lives:

Jonah: When God called Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and preach against its wickedness, Jonah ran in the opposite direction. He boarded a ship heading to Tarshish, hoping to escape God’s call. But as we know, Jonah’s attempts to flee from God’s presence were futile. God pursued Jonah and eventually brought him back to His will, albeit through some challenging circumstances.

Moses: When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses initially resisted, citing his insecurities and inadequacies. He made excuses and tried to convince God to send someone else. But God patiently reassured Moses and equipped him for the task ahead.

The Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10:17-22, we read about a rich young ruler who approached Jesus seeking eternal life. Jesus told him to sell everything he had, give to the poor, and follow Him. But the young man went away sorrowful because he couldn’t let go of his wealth. He ignored Jesus’ call to discipleship because it required sacrificing his earthly possessions.

What happened when these individuals ignored God’s call? They missed out on the blessings, the purpose, and the fulfillment that comes from aligning their lives with God’s will. But here’s the good news – God’s grace and forgiveness are always available to us, even when we’ve been ignoring His call. He’s patiently waiting for us to turn back to Him, ready to welcome us with open arms.

So, let’s not let God’s call go to voicemail. Let’s answer His call with obedience and willingness, knowing that He has good plans for us and that He will equip us for whatever He’s calling us to do. As Hebrews 3:15 reminds us, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Let’s be attentive to God’s call and ready to step out in faith when He speaks. Remember, God is faithful, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. Let’s answer His call with courage and trust, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.