How do you know when it's God "calling"??

[WowLookaDuck]

Do you pray daily or close to daily, as well as continually? 

[CaptWalker]

Well you aren't alone as far as things suddenly turning to crap, since back in 2018 i also lost a job of over 13 years, and making about $15.50, most i have ever made. Had about $15k in savings which is pretty much all gone now, and it's only been only a couple of part-time jobs that has really bailed me out. But even though it was my own fault, when you have a drinking problem suddenly people treat you like a leper or something and want nothing to do with you, it's strange. So there went my good job reference right down the toilet, since a Violation of company policy doesn't look too good on a resume if you know what i mean? 

But either way i never got the feeling that is where God wanted me in the first place, but can only speculate at this point? But from everything that's happening now and feels like is about to go bad in my life again, it seems like the only real option is to pick up and go before things really do all go to CRAP! I'm just waiting for God to give me the Word and the time, don't even need a good place to go, i can figure that much out myself. But any "confirmation" does really help as far as having piece of mind that you are going in the right direction at least...but we will see.   

Edited September 2, 2020 by CaptWalker

[enoob57]

 I am in 100% agreement with @missmuffet's source... God has taken a great deal of supernatural pains to deliver His Word to us and as no other time in the histories given us Himself (The Holy Spirit) to dwell within us~ this should be enough if we will but study, pray, meditate and do it's precepts ... we will find the pleasure of God using us in daily living humbling us to know greatest is least and least is greatest.... why because their is nothing that is great that did not begin with the least!

[Alive]

Rom. 1:6 among whom you also are the ^acalled of Jesus Christ;

This is an interesting verse. That word 'called' can be translated as 'invited'.

However this verse is viewed, it speaks to the greatest calling of all. That each one that Christ saved. That the Father placed into Christ is a member of His Body. Each member is a vital one--whether each one is judged according to man's view as important is of no consequence. In the Father's view and in reality each is vitally important and a witness to all Creation of His eternal Grace and Mercy. This is no small thing. As a matter of fact, there is no more wonderful thing since this universe was made, to be a 'son of the living God'. Born from above and adopted into His family.

If only one word or one action--one simple example of being like Christ in this earth touches another soul for edification or seed planted for Christ's sake--that precious gold has eternal worth and will resound through all the ages to come. This is so because it is God that is at work in you and His work abides.

This is a most remarkable thing!

"Come and see this Jesus of Nazareth" This is your calling. Come to Him and Trust Him for He is the Great Shepherd of your soul.

[David1701]

Rom. 1:5-7 (VW)

5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship unto obedience of faith among all nations for His name,
6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
7 to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In verse 5, Paul is talking about the "calling" the apostles received, unto the obedience of faith, among all nations, for Jesus' name.  There was no invitation to be an apostle; Jesus chose them and that was that.

In verse 6, Paul says that the Roman Christians are also the called of Jesus Christ.

Now, there are two main meanings of the word translated "called", in verse 6 ("invited" or "divinely selected and appointed to the discharge of an office").  It is clearly the second meaning that Paul has in mind, since he created that context by verse 5, and made it clear that it was that same kind of "called" (although not the same office), in verse 6.

This means that, in verse 7, Paul is saying that the Roman Christians are divinely selected and appointed ones, for the discharge of the office of "saints" (i.e. holy ones, set apart for God).  This is the calling that every Christian has - one who is set apart for God - holy.

Edited September 2, 2020 by David1701

[JohnD]

On 8/31/2020 at 2:01 PM, CaptWalker said:

Was just wondering if anyone here has ever felt God calling you to do something all by yourself, and to not even expect much help doing it? Because if preaching/witnessing has anything to do with it, wouldn't we be sent out in two's just like in Luke-10:1? Since aren't those old days of the lone ranger Prophets all over and done with...?  

These keys to the Kingdom will help you determine  the answer yo seek:

[Marathoner]

On 9/2/2020 at 12:05 AM, CaptWalker said:

Well you aren't alone as far as things suddenly turning to crap, since back in 2018 i also lost a job of over 13 years, and making about $15.50, most i have ever made. Had about $15k in savings which is pretty much all gone now, and it's only been only a couple of part-time jobs that has really bailed me out. But even though it was my own fault, when you have a drinking problem suddenly people treat you like a leper or something and want nothing to do with you, it's strange. So there went my good job reference right down the toilet, since a Violation of company policy doesn't look too good on a resume if you know what i mean? 

But either way i never got the feeling that is where God wanted me in the first place, but can only speculate at this point? But from everything that's happening now and feels like is about to go bad in my life again, it seems like the only real option is to pick up and go before things really do all go to CRAP! I'm just waiting for God to give me the Word and the time, don't even need a good place to go, i can figure that much out myself. But any "confirmation" does really help as far as having piece of mind that you are going in the right direction at least...but we will see.   

He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
(Isaiah 53:3)

I understand why my testimony has meaning to you. You're a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. I have an answer to the question you posed at the beginning of this topic.

"Was just wondering if anyone here has ever felt God calling you to do something all by yourself, and to not even expect much help doing it?"

Before we were born our Father in heaven required this of His Son who cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Our Lord is acquainted with sorrows and grief, CaptWalker. Never forget that He was one whom men despised. Isaiah 53 is one of the most beautiful passages in the scriptures. 

Yes, the Lord required this of me. During the years preceding His calling whenever I found myself at the end of my rope, a vision would open up in my mind's eye: I found myself walking alone in the darkness... mountains loomed on the distant horizon. I started to weep which is when a great light dawned above these mountains; I heard a voice saying, "Don't despair, the day is coming." In some inexplicable manner I understood this light above the mountains was the destination I would reach one day.  

40 years later, the aimless path I followed led me into an imposing mountain wilderness. You're familiar with what happened next, I think. Christ raised me up in that wilderness. 

Don't despair, my friend. The day is coming.      

Edited September 13, 2020 by Marathoner

[Mozart's Starling]

For me this is a very complicated subject because me turning to Christ came during a mental breakdown. I am diagnosed as bipolar with psychotic features and OCD (most likely if the scrupelosity sort google if you wish). My friends prayed with me in a circle and I felt the Holy Spirit enter me. Felt like fire lol. My second "breakdown" led me to the name I carry on this site now, as the story of it resonates with me. My main struggle is how can I tell mental illness from actual divine revelations. Still, I am assuming what happened those two times happened to bring me closer to God. I believe he is calling me to music.

Edited September 19, 2020 by Mozart's Starling

[JohnD]

On a more personal note,

there are times when we hear the call

and the Lord has not called at all.

I "heard the call to itinerant preaching /

counter-cult apologetic ministry... none of

which worked out.

For years I studied and worked hard to learn.

But the calling was of my own choosing as the results

have proven.

I have recently heard the call of the Lord to take that knowledge

and use it in a particular way that I never before imagined.

Elation, right?

No.

Hesitation.

An unwillingness to be beaten up by the very people God is sending me

to help.

I am in good company. Moses also jumped the gun as I did. And when the Lord

called him out of the burning bush, he wanted no part of it either. LOL

God gets his way especially with we his property... oy!

My point is sometimes the calling of the Lord is as clear as a bell

other times it's not and is hidden in the deep weeds of our own

desires or counterfeit callings.

The Lord can and does answer Gideon's sheepskin  prayers

(ask the Lord to show you something like if you are called in a unique way).

[CaptWalker]

Well everything you said pretty much made sense, except when you started out by saying we usually have others around us for support, only to imply that we can still go it alone with no problem, which is a bit confusing?? And even if many of the early disciples often had to set out alone, they eventually made it to places where they found the support and aid they were needing from those secret house churches, and even ones very well known. But either way maybe i just didn't make my point clear enough, which was that i really don't think God would call someone to become some kind of a street preacher/prophet and do it all without being associated with or accompanied by someone at some point. Because maybe you are not an especially effective or confident speaker and you have other gifts, whereas the other person(s) with you might act as the "voice"? 

And yes, of course we will be alone often, maybe even a majority of the time. But that's not to say we will never come across others doing the same "works" and having the chance to get involved with their ministries/churches as well. That's what i meant about setting out on your own and remaining in that state, without seeking or expecting any outside help. I believe you/we should at least have an initial destination, geographically, and then go from there. Rather than just go, not really knowing where you're heading or even if it's in the right direction.

Edited October 15, 2020 by CaptWalker