When God Calls | Pastor Nate Keeler
Many Christians assume that God’s mission is only for pastors, missionaries, or those with a special calling. But Jesus made it clear—if you follow Him, you are part of His mission.
His final words to the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 were a direct command:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The reason the Gospel reached you is that Christians before you obeyed. Now, it’s your turn. But how will you respond?
Three Ways We Respond to God’s Mission
Each of us reacts to God’s call in one of three ways. Let’s see where we stand.
1. Saying “No” – The Jonah Syndrome
Jonah was a prophet who ran from God’s mission to preach in Nineveh. Why? The same reasons many of us resist sharing our faith today:
- Fear: “What will people think of me? What if I get rejected?”
- Comfort: “I like my life the way it is. I don’t want to be inconvenienced.”
- Lack of Compassion: “They don’t deserve God’s grace.”
Maybe God is prompting you to share Jesus with a co-worker, a classmate, or a family member. But out of fear, comfort, or judgment, you’ve been saying no. If that’s you, you’re not alone—Jonah did the same. But running from God’s mission never ends well.
2. Saying “Fine” – Box-Checking Obedience
Jonah eventually obeyed, but only out of duty. He preached in Nineveh, but his heart wasn’t in it.
Many Christians live in box-checking obedience today:
- “I’ll go on a mission trip… because my church expects me to.”
- “I’ll serve in outreach… but only because I feel guilty.”
- “I’ll share my faith… just to say I did it.”
This kind of obedience isn’t what God wants. He desires hearts fully surrendered, not just rule-following. God isn’t after forced, joyless service—He’s after love-driven obedience.
3. Saying “Yes, Lord, Help Me” – Gospel-Transformed Obedience
The obedience Jesus models isn’t reluctant—it’s joyful and dependent on God’s strength.
“Yes, Father, I will go. Strengthen me.”
This was Jesus’ response to His mission. This should be ours, too.
What does a “Yes, Lord” response look like?
- “God, you want me to talk to my neighbor about Jesus? Yes, Lord. Open the door.“
- “You want me to pray for my co-worker? I’m in. Give me courage.“
- “You’re calling me to go on a mission trip? Yes, Lord. Provide the way.“
This is not about being fearless. It’s about saying yes even when we’re afraid, trusting that God will help us.
Only Grace Can Fuel True Obedience
Why do some people naturally obey while others resist? The difference is a deep experience of God’s grace.
In Luke 7, a sinful woman weeps at Jesus’ feet, washing them with her tears. A religious leader watching is disgusted. But Jesus says:
“Whoever has been forgiven much, loves much.” (Luke 7:47)
When you truly grasp how lost you were before Jesus saved you, you stop seeing people as “good” and “bad.” Instead, you realize everyone needs Jesus—just like you did.
The more you experience God’s grace, the more you’ll want others to experience it too.
A Story of Conviction
Recently I was visiting a café in Wilmington with my wife. The café’s atmosphere—its music, posters, and even the conversations around me—was filled with messages that completely opposed my Christian values.
My first reaction? Disgust.
My second? Judgment.
I wanted to leave, but the coffee was too good.
Later, as I prepared for this very sermon on Jonah, God convicted me: “You are Jonah.”
I realized I had reacted just like Jonah—offended and judgmental rather than compassionate.
God asked me:
“Where would you be without My grace?”
The truth hit hard. Without God’s mercy, I would be just as lost as anyone in that café. How could I withhold grace from others when I had received so much?
Who Do You Struggle to Show Grace To?
Think about the people you struggle to love. Maybe it’s:
- The neighbor who mocks your faith.
- The family member who always starts political fights.
- The co-worker who ridicules Christians online.
Jesus didn’t just come for people who already follow Him. He came for the lost, the broken, and even those who reject Him. If we’ve truly experienced God’s grace, it should move us to extend that same grace to others.
God is Calling You—What’s Your Response?
Jonah ran, but God pursued him. If you’ve been resisting God’s call—whether through outright “No” or reluctant “Fine, I guess”—He’s calling you to something greater.
The question is: How will you respond?
Ask Yourself:
- Where is God calling me to share my faith?
- Am I making excuses because of fear, comfort, or judgment?
- Will I say, “Yes, Lord. Help me obey”?
God’s mission is your mission. What’s your response?