"Answering God's Call" | July 6, 2025 | Eric Ward

Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart, a sense that God is calling you to something greater? Perhaps it's a nudge to join a ministry, address a personal struggle, or step out in faith in your career. Whatever it may be, one thing is certain: God is constantly calling each of us to grow, to serve, and to become more like Him.

But here's the catch - answering that call isn't always easy. In fact, it often requires us to overcome significant obstacles. These hurdles come in three main forms: attacks from the enemy, pressures from the world, and resistance from our own flesh.

Imagine for a moment that you're feeling led to address an addiction, heal a broken relationship, or step into a leadership role at church. As soon as that thought enters your mind, you might hear whispers of doubt: "You're not strong enough." "It's too late to change." "You don't have what it takes." These are the enemy's tactics, designed to keep us stagnant and ineffective.

Then there's the world around us, constantly bombarding us with messages that contradict God's truth. It tells us that instant gratification is the key to happiness, that we should prioritize ourselves above all else, or that certain behaviors are acceptable simply because they're common. These worldly influences can drown out God's voice if we're not careful.

Finally, we face resistance from our own flesh - our natural inclinations, comfort zones, and ingrained habits. It's the part of us that says, "I don't want to change. It's too much work. The benefits aren't worth the effort."

So how do we push through these obstacles and answer God's call? Let's look at a powerful illustration from a recent animated film, "The Wild Robot."

In this story, we meet two unlikely heroes: Roz, a robot designed for domestic tasks who finds herself stranded in a wild forest, and Brightbill, an orphaned gosling Roz takes under her wing. Both are called to something far beyond their original programming or natural abilities.

Roz, created to assist human families, must learn to adapt to the wild and raise a young goose. Brightbill, small and weak compared to other geese, must prepare for a grueling migration south. Both face seemingly insurmountable odds and constant discouragement from those around them.

Their journey mirrors our own spiritual walk in many ways. Like Roz and Brightbill, we often find ourselves called to tasks that seem beyond our capabilities. We face discouragement, both internal and external. Yet, their story also shows us the path to overcoming these challenges.

First, we must fill our minds with truth. Philippians 4:8 instructs us, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." When Brightbill was told he was too weak to fly, Roz countered those lies with encouragement and truth. In the same way, we must actively replace negative thoughts and worldly messages with God's truth found in His Word.

Secondly, we need to surround ourselves with a supportive community. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Roz and Brightbill didn't face their challenges alone. They built relationships with other animals in the forest who encouraged them, taught them new skills, and believed in their potential. In our own lives, we need fellow believers who will pray for us, hold us accountable, and spur us on toward love and good deeds.

Lastly, we must focus on the long-term benefits of obedience rather than the short-term discomfort of change. For Roz and Brightbill, their perseverance led to not only personal growth but also the ability to help others. Brightbill's unique flying abilities ultimately allowed him to lead the entire flock to safety during their migration.

When we answer God's call, we not only experience personal transformation but also unlock blessings for those around us. That ministry you feel led to join? It could be the very thing that leads someone to Christ. The addiction you're finally addressing? Your testimony could inspire hope in countless others struggling with the same issue.

Remember, God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Just as Roz and Brightbill developed abilities far beyond their original limitations, God will provide everything we need to fulfill His purposes for our lives.

So, what is God calling you to today? Is it to deepen your prayer life? To reconcile with a family member? To step out in faith in your career? To address a persistent sin in your life? Whatever it may be, know that you have the power to overcome the obstacles in your path.

Start by identifying the specific lies or pressures you're facing. Then, intentionally fill your mind with God's truth. Memorize scripture that directly counters those lies. Surround yourself with godly friends who will encourage you and hold you accountable. And keep your eyes fixed on the eternal impact of your obedience, rather than the temporary discomfort of change.

As you take these steps, you'll find yourself, like Roz and Brightbill, capable of far more than you ever imagined. You'll discover strengths you didn't know you had and witness God's power working through your weaknesses.

The journey may not be easy, but it will be worth it. For in answering God's call, we not only find our true purpose but also play a vital role in advancing His kingdom. We become living testimonies of His transforming power, beacons of hope in a world desperate for light.

So today, will you choose to silence the enemy's lies, tune out the world's distractions, and resist your own flesh? Will you say "yes" to God's call, whatever it may be? The adventure of a lifetime awaits, filled with challenges, growth, and the incomparable joy of walking in step with your Creator.

Let's answer His call together, overcoming every obstacle in His strength, for His glory.