The term “calling” implies a voice, but my personal experience has not involved a loud, audible proclamation. Instead, it resembles the gentle whisper Elijah encountered in 1 Kings 19:11, which requires attentive listening. While many desire dramatic signs, I have come to appreciate the quiet whisper, as it fosters deeper relationships. Those feeling called should not anticipate an audible voice of God or as a theophany in the form of a burning bush or a dove out of heaven. Those who remain open to the subtle, silent invitations from God, usually hear best from God. Let us look at Elijah’s experience of hearing from God.
A. Understanding The Call Through the Lens of Scripture
Kings 19:11-13 - 11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (NIV)
This passage highlights the contrast between the dramatic forces of nature and the quiet presence of God. The crux of the message in the story of Elijah and the whisper in the wind is that God often communicates in quiet and subtle ways rather than through overwhelmingly dramatic events. Despite the spectacular displays of nature—the wind, earthquake, and fire—God's true presence is found in the gentle whisper. This illustrates that in times of distress or uncertainty, individuals may find guidance, comfort, and divine presence in stillness and simplicity. It encourages us to be attentive to the quieter ways God may be speaking to us, reminding us that profound insights and connections can occur outside of grand displays.
1. The Calling is: Designed Around the Individual’s Core Passions
11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Passion is ignited in God's Presence: The call to "stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord" v.11, indicates a deep desire for connection and intimacy with Elijah. It was Elijah’s obedience that positioned him for hearing from God. In his obedience, God saw Elijah’s passion. Discerning His presence during these times is crucial, as silence can signal new beginnings rather than endings. God's promise of His presence reassures us throughout our calling. “I will always be with you…”
The journey of the called begins as an intimate conversation with God. This is where we recognise our identity in Christ. In our public expressions of our gifts, it is affirmed by others who note our passions for God through our service in the Kingdom. For example, in Africa, where oral tradition is crucial for communication, God uses our cultural passions of conversations and community to connect with others and share the Gospel to extend the Kingdom.
2. The Calling is: A Denial of Our Controlling Preferences
v.v. 11&12 “Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind… earthquake and… a fire…”
Just as in so many religious practices, our human preference is to seek dramatic, divine manifestations: The great wind, earthquake, and fire represent human expectations for powerful signs of God's presence. Jesus noted in Matthew’s Gospel, “This generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given except the one already given…” Matthew 16:4. These dramatic events contrast with Elijah's experience. He encountered God in a clear, yet soft demonstration of God's desire for heart intimacy. A holy heart is the best host of a holy God. So, God cleanses and infills us and dwells within us! Our greatest sign is God dwelling with us. Within us. Transforming our lives and transforming our communities through us.
What are your controlling preferences? What is the path to abandon our controlling preferences? The path involves a cleansing from sinful desire and an infilling with a whole-hearted love for God alone. It involves growth through humble service, essential for developing our influence. Accepting this call necessitates laying down our personal preferences and priorities, so we can align with God’s purposes. This self-denial means embracing the tension between our desires and God’s will, echoing Jesus’s call to take up the cross.
3. The Calling: Defines Our Central Purpose
vv. 12&13 “but the Lord was not in the fire…after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it… a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
The Gentle Whisper: The gentle whisper signifies God's true presence, direction and offering of life’s purpose. Elijah’s response to this whisper highlights the importance of being attentive to God’s subtle guidance toward choosing Him as our life’s purpose. God's question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” prompts Elijah to reflect on his purpose and current state, encouraging a deeper understanding of his mission based on his relationship with God. The quality of our relationship with God will determine our obedience to the mission of the Kingdom.
B. Application of the Scripture to the Call
Here we will consider Os Guinness’ outline of The Call[1]. In addressing the thousands of pastors and laity in training across the Africa Region, I often talk about ways we understand and apply God’s intimate invitation to us to serve.
Constrained to Be - The “Constrained to be” aspect highlights societal pressures and limitations that compel individuals to conform, inhibiting personal self-construction. According to Guinness, there is often a stronger societal “will to be” than an individual’s power to truly express themselves.
Courage to Be - The “Courage to be” can challenge societal constraints, but it often proves unrealistic. Those conditioned for conformity may struggle to find the courage to be authentic. There’s only one you that God is calling. Do not preach like you favourite preacher or dress like a superstar teacher in order to be accepted for the Gospel. Be you! Afterall, it is “Christ in you that’s the hope of glory!”
Constituted to Be - Guinness critiques the idea of the “Constituted to be” view, or the “acorn theory,” which implies a forced determinism. An acorn is only wired to produce oak trees. An acorn cannot produce banana trees. We are not acorns! We are “Called to be,” emphasising our freedom to choose God. We are invited to experience the potential for personal growth in our relationship with God. God invites us to be restored into His image by expressing our worship and joy in service.
Called to Be - This calling signifies an ongoing journey where God shapes us through our culture and context. It reflects that human identity is incomplete and flexible; we can either resist this calling and stagnate or embrace it and evolve into the extraordinary beings God intends us to be.
Concluding Thoughts:
The process of understanding our calling requires us to listen attentively to God, especially in moments of quiet reflection. The true nature of God’s presence often unfolds not in grand displays but in gentle whispers. By recognising and embracing our passions, denying controlling preferences, and understanding our central purpose, we align ourselves with God's divine will. This journey not only transforms our lives but also enables us to impact our communities profoundly.
The calling encompasses salvation, sanctification, and service, inviting us into a deeper relationship with God. As we engage with our calling, we draw closer to the Caller, affirming that our true identity is found in Him. The question "Who am I?" ultimately leads us to the answer: "Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God, I am Thine."[2] When responding to the call, remember: just as you cannot invite someone to a place where you are not present. Wherever God’s calling leads you, He is already present there.
[1] Adapted from “God Still Calls” an Article by Gabriel Benjiman, Ed. by Mark Maddix, 2017
[2] Oz Guinness, The Call, 1997
[3] Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship - 1937
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