Embrace Your Calling
ICS Daily Devotions
Joshua 1:1-3 (NKJV) After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
After Moses’ death, God spoke to Joshua and gave him specific instructions and promises. It was evident that God had called him. Joshua had a solid understanding of God’s call on his life, which is why he remained unwavering in his faith despite the giants in the land and their shortcomings. Joshua was obedient and responded to the call without offering excuses, knowing God would deliver them.
God called different characters in the Bible, and each responded differently. When God called Moses, he gave the excuse that he stuttered. When God called Gideon to save Israel, he wasn’t sure he could do it because he was focused on his own ability, saying, “Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:16b). Jonah ran away from God when God called him to Nineveh. All they saw was what they could do without considering the God factor!
God is still calling each of us today. When God calls, He provides, equips, and promises. Will we make excuses about a lack of training, finances, future security, or other family needs, or will we recognise the God factor in the call? We should listen and respond when God calls, and God will act when we obey!
We need to spend time understanding what God has specifically called us to do. God has uniquely created and called us to fulfil a purpose. We must discover our calling and partner with Him on it. Whatever He asks us to do will always be beyond our natural abilities, so we must rely on Him. He wants us to have faith in Him because faith pleases Him. Sadly, many of us are full of ourselves, wanting to do things that prove our worth to others, and make it all about us. Our identity is rooted in our actions rather than in our being in God; it is built solely on our work and achievements, which take priority in our lives. Many people live miserable, discontented, and disillusioned lives by chasing their own dreams instead of living out God’s calling.
Joshua had a spirit different from the other spies. He believed that it could be done and must be done with God’s help. He was a man of faith in God, embodying the spirit of faith, which is key to living out God’s calling. Likewise, we should take God’s calling and His Word for it. If God has said it and promised us, it is a “done deal”, regardless of the circumstances.
Today, we need leaders like Joshua who understand what God wants, answer the call, and achieve great things with God’s help.
Sermon Series: Resolution for 2026
