Does God Call the Qualified or Qualify the Called?

The answer? Yes.

Both.

Call is a funny word. It's one my husband and I struggled with for a while. What's a call, anyway? Is it a lightning bolt out of the blue that suddenly tells you your life plan? (If you got one of these, please comment and share.) Or, is it the Holy Spirit's nudging you? Or, is it open doors? How do you know God is calling you to a particular task?

The truth is that God calls everyone to His service.

It's for us to respond.

I believe that, once a person has surrendered his life to whatever God wants him to do, God will direct him through circumstances. We call them open and shut doors. He did that for us, and He does it all the time. He lovingly directs our paths. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

It's important to be prepared. The majority of the missionaries I know have college training, many in Christian colleges, where they became more knowledgeable in the Bible. Some are doctors and nurses. Others are pastors. They understand grammar and are able to learn other languages. They're sociable, kind, loving—and active in their local churches. They weren't sitting around waiting for a call. They were already working in their churches. They understood their duty to spread the gospel—way before they began deputation.

When the Lord directed them into foreign missions, they were ready and willing, prepared.

God also enables people—in the moment—to do "impossible" things for Him. Where God leads, He strengthens, trains, and empowers. I am amazed at the effectiveness of some of my missionary brethren. God uses a willing person in ways we can only marvel. The Bible says, For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

I've watched men who stutter preach with no stuttering—and stutter again afterwards. I've listened to others with serious disabilities preach with great power. People with difficulties with foreign language often communicate the gospel more effectively than people who are comfortably fluent. It's amazing how the Lord does this. I've seen Him do some special things in my life, too. I've been ill and in pain, and He has given me extra strength to do required tasks. There were times when I could sense that God had taken over, giving me what He had in mind.

As the above passage states, He uses us—even though we're weak and foolish—so that God gets the glory.

God calls every Christian.

The power comes from Him.

Be prepared.

Be available.

And, watch as God uses you in surprising ways!