Following God's Call for Your Life

One of the most powerful truths we need to embrace is this: you've got to learn God's heart. Before we rush out to act, before we proclaim, post, or pursue, we must ask — do we really know what God feels, sees, and desires?

The story of Exodus gives us a deep and intimate look into the heart of God. In Exodus 3:7-9, God says: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt. I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them."

What do we see here? God sees, hears, knows, and moves. This is not a distant or indifferent God. He is personal and present. He responds to the cries of His people with action. He comes down to rescue.

And this isn’t just an isolated Old Testament moment. This is a foreshadowing of Jesus. The entire Exodus story is a salvation narrative, preparing the way for Christ’s work on the cross. God sees your sorrow, knows your suffering, and moves toward you in love. That’s the gospel.

God's Compassion Leads to Action, But Not Without Wisdom
God’s heart is not passive. It stirs Him to deliver. But as we align with His heart, we also need to recognize that zeal without knowledge can be dangerous.

Proverbs 19:2 says, "Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses the way." Another translation puts it this way: "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge."

There’s a temptation, especially when we see injustice or feel stirred spiritually, to rush ahead. But even the Apostle Paul didn’t jump straight into ministry. After his encounter with Christ, he spent three years in the desert being trained. Why? Because he had to learn God’s heart before he could carry God's mission.

It’s easy to be reactive, especially in the age of social media. But simply “being right” is not enough. If we speak without love, if we move without clarity, we can cause more harm than good. You might win the argument and lose the person.

Speak with Truth and Wisdom
2 Timothy 2:15 calls us to “present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

That’s the goal. Not just speaking truth, but doing it rightly.

There are voices in the public square that stir us up, and some of what they say may resonate deeply. But we must be careful not to let someone else's calling define ours. Just because someone is bold or loud does not mean their tone, approach, or perspective should be yours.

God’s heart includes both truth and tenderness. There’s wisdom in how we say what we say. John Lennox, a renowned Christian thinker, once said he chooses to be winsome because he doesn’t want to turn people away from the message. He understood the weight of his words and the importance of how they were delivered.

You can be right and still lose people if your words lack grace.

God’s Call Is Personal and Progressive
When God called Moses in Exodus 3:10, He said: “Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” This was a clear and specific call.
And yet, as we know, Moses' journey unfolded over time. There were steps. There were delays. There were challenges. The call progressed as Moses walked in obedience.

Likewise, God’s call in your life may start with a single step. It may be clear in direction but not always in detail. But it is always rooted in purpose. You are not called to do everything. You are called to do what God assigns you — nothing more, nothing less.

Your Calling is Not a Template for Others
Sometimes, when God puts a passion in our hearts, we can unintentionally project that passion onto everyone else.

If you’re called to adopt, that doesn’t mean everyone else is.

If you’re called to missions, that doesn’t mean everyone should move overseas.

If you're called to homeschool or enter public education, your path isn’t the only godly one.

We must hold our personal convictions with humility, and love others enough to honor God's unique work in their lives, too.

We should be people who say, “God’s got a call on your life, and I’m here to cheer you on.” At the same time, we should be able to say: “Here’s what God has asked of me in this season. Will you support me as I walk it out?”

God Confirms His Call
In March 2009, during a difficult and uncertain time, a confirmation came. It wasn’t in a boardroom or through a committee, but during worship at a Chris Tomlin concert. The Spirit of God whispered a phrase: “Through the church to the city.”

It wasn’t a full sentence. It was a call.

And for over 15 years, that phrase has shaped ministry direction, decisions, and focus. That’s what happens when God speaks clearly. It becomes an anchor.

But here’s the reality. A specific call also means specific limits. There will be things others expect that you will not do, and things they want you to say that you will not say. Jesus dealt with this. His own brothers tried to push Him into the spotlight. The crowds wanted Him to stay in one place. But Jesus stayed aligned with the Father’s call.

Are You Available?
The Spirit of God is not looking for spectators. He's inviting you into the arena. It's easy to sit in the stands like the two critics from The Muppet Show, but that’s not where transformation happens.

This week, consider starting each day with a simple prayer: “God, I’m available.”

What is it You have for me?

How do You want to use me?

What are You calling me to do in this season?

Availability precedes clarity. Moses said, “Here I am.” Isaiah said, “Here am I, send me.” Paul asked, “What shall I do, Lord?”

Will you ask the same?

Learn His Heart, Then Follow His Call
Before you lead, post, speak, or act, learn God’s heart. Let His compassion be your compass. Let His Word be your foundation. Let His Spirit shape your speech.

God is not asking for your perfection. He’s asking for your availability. The call may be big, or it may be quiet. But it’s always personal. And it's always powerful when it's rooted in Him.
So ask, seek, and listen.

God has seen. He has heard. He knows. And He still comes down to rescue.

Will you be part of His work?



This blog is based on the message shared by Senior Dr. Roger Patterson at our CityRise Bellaire campus on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. Check out the full message below!