How God Prepares You for Your Next Level: Understanding Divine Calling

How God Prepares You for Your Next Level: Understanding Divine Calling

Have you ever felt God calling you to something that seemed impossible? Something that filled you with fear and doubt? You're not alone. Throughout scripture and in our lives today, God often calls people to step beyond their comfort zones into new levels of purpose and impact.

The Unexpected Call of Simon Peter

In Luke 5, we find a powerful story of how Jesus prepared Simon Peter for his calling. After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Simon and his partners were washing their nets when Jesus approached. Jesus asked to use Simon's boat as a platform to teach the crowds.

After teaching, Jesus told Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon's response reveals his doubt: "Master, we have worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as you say and let down the nets."

What happened next was extraordinary. They caught so many fish that:

• Their nets began to break

• They had to call partners in another boat to help

• Both boats began to sink from the weight of the fish

Simon's reaction is telling. He fell at Jesus' feet saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." But Jesus responded, "Do not fear. From now on you will be catching men."

Why Did Simon Follow Jesus?

Looking at Luke 4, we discover that Simon had already witnessed Jesus' power. Jesus had:

• Healed Simon's mother-in-law of a high fever

• Healed crowds of sick people at Simon's house

• Cast out demons from many people

These experiences prepared Simon to recognize Jesus' authority. When the miraculous catch of fish occurred, it wasn't Simon's first encounter with Jesus' power - it was the culmination of a relationship that had been building.

Understanding Logos vs. Rhema: How God Speaks to Us

In the New Testament, two Greek words are translated as "word":

• Logos - The general word of God, as seen in John 1: "In the beginning was the Word (Logos)..."

• Rhema - A personal, specific word from God to an individual or group

The key difference is that a rhema word:

• Is personal and specific

• Is not usually sought by the recipient

• Seeks out the person

• Often leads to a crisis of belief that can only be overcome by faith and action

When Jesus told Simon to cast his nets, it was a rhema word - a specific instruction that led to a miraculous result and ultimately to Simon's calling.

Overcoming the Crisis of Belief

When God invites you to join His work, you will often face a crisis of belief that can only be overcome by faith and action.

The author shared his personal experience of being asked to preach as a young Christian. Despite his fear and nervousness, he stepped out in faith. The result? Fourteen of his friends came forward to receive Christ.

This principle appears throughout scripture and in countless testimonies: God doesn't necessarily call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

What Happens When We Say Yes to God's Call?

The story of a church in Seattle illustrates what can happen when believers respond to God's call with faith:

• A small church of 150 people committed to intentional prayer

• Ukrainian families began joining unexpectedly

• Someone donated a house in Ukraine for ministry

• A missionary family was called to serve there

• The church raised enough money to support them

• The ministry expanded to schools and medical colleges

• A crusade resulted in 500 people receiving Christ

All this happened because people were willing to say "yes" to what seemed impossible.

Is God Calling You to Your Next Level?

Jesus wasn't telling Simon about his past; He was telling him about his purpose. The same is true for you. God may be beckoning you to something that fills you with fear or unbelief, but He knows what's on the other side.

The current spiritual awakening happening across our nation is evidence that God is moving in powerful ways. Young people are responding to the gospel in unprecedented numbers. This is a time of opportunity for those willing to step out in faith.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to:

• Listen for God's rhema word to you. What specific direction might He be giving you?

• Identify any crisis of belief you're experiencing. What step of faith is God asking you to take that seems impossible?

• Take action on what God has shown you, even if it's just a small step.

Ask yourself:

• What "boat" is Jesus asking to use in my life?

• What nets am I being asked to cast into the deep?

• What past experiences with God have prepared me for this moment?

• Am I willing to leave everything and follow Him to the next level?

Remember, when God calls you to something, He doesn't just reveal your past; He reveals your purpose. Your next level of impact is waiting on the other side of your obedience.