Note: Images taken prior to the CDC’s recommendation to wear masks in public.
“What is God’s calling for your life?”
For many people of faith, that question is alternately a source of mystery, frustration, confusion, and hope. Does God have a fine-tuned plan for each of us, or is God’s call more general, with the details left up to us?
You’ll likely find the same number of answers as the number of people that you ask.
But there is work that God calls all of us to do, and it’s laid out for us in the Bible. God makes it clear again and again that we’re to love others, care for the poor, and live our lives in such a way that we point to the power of the gospel. When we contemplate what God’s calling is for our lives, those universal commands are a great place to start.
Here are 16 Bible verses about God’s calling for our lives, no matter who we are or where we live!
(All Bible verses from the NIV. Bolded emphasis added.)
Old Testament verses about God’s calling
1. Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
2. Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
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3. Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
4. Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
New Testament
5. Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
6. Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
7. 1 Corinthians 7:17
Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.
8. Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
9. Philippians 2:1-4
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
10. Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
11. 2 Timothy 1:10
He has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
12. Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.
13. Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
14. 1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
15. 1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
16. 1 Peter 4:10-11
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
God, the creator of the universe, has called us to be part of his work to bring justice and kindness to his creation. What a joy and privilege! But the work ahead is challenging, too, and we’re grateful that God is with us.
Lord, help us to embrace your calling for our lives with equal parts fervor, wisdom, and humility.
Next: 20 Bible verses about thankfulness to God
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Top photo: There are 65 children in the Itumbule Primary Bible Club — 26 of whom are sponsored. The Bible club is part of World Vision’s Transformed Church for Transformed Communities program. The children learn Bible verses, great songs about Jesus, and are encouraged to grow in faith and good character. (© 2017 World Vision/photo by Jon Warren)
Before I believe in God
May I asked which God did you believe in before? The creator of all things who is able to do exceeding abundantly more than we can ask or think according to the power that works within us? Or the other gods that which we are forbidden to serve because Abba Father, YAHWEH is a jealous GOD.
When lacking the knowledge people perish. Perhaps it is time to obtain the way, truth and the light that will lead US into more eternal glorious life. We’re not created to live forever in this 🌎 WE must answer the 📞 Call to Duty. You believe before in God? Maybe it is time to believe that he who resides in you is greater than the that’s in the world. I don’t know what has happen in your life but I do know who does and I pray that you seek him first and his righteousness and ALL things not some will be given unto you. Be blessed and YAHWEH/GOD loved us first and I love you. He gets all the glory.
Yahweh Bless You
Be blessed also
As people become older, they tend to form more and more questions in their minds – “What do I want to do with my life?”, “What are my long-term goals?”, and “Where is my life heading to?” These questions usually come to mind whenever a person is dealing with a life crisis. They can cause a great amount of anxiety, fear, and stress, especially when one is completely clueless about what the future holds for him or her.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
So when I’m feeling anxious or fearful or stressed, I put on the wrong yolk!
behold, children are a heritage from the lord,
the fruit of the womb are a reward
The purpose of God for humanity can only be achieved by raising God fearing generations. Our children and children’s children MUST carry the banner and sustain the great vision and purpose of God the human race.
The success and sustainability of the gospel is what we must achieve through these children.
1/7/2020 my health is not well because carona virus attack so please pray for request my husband is died 2007 my daughter second year btec so please request prayer thank sir
Psalm 91.It is well with you. God’s protection and comfort rest upon you and your family. Amen
God in control. That’s what I said
That’s right, God is in control.
It’s man who is out of order!
Amen
With faith, mountains bow down to your command in the name of Jesus!
how true is this bro….i needed to hear this as we are planning for christiain children retreat, a vision God gave to put His name upon them and when He sees His name, He will come and bless them…this secures a generation. Only the Gospel is transformative and preservative
I truly enjoy the scriptures contained here. More especially the pictorial publication. This talks to my own African context. The pictures depicts God who is also able to here the voice of the marginalized Africans. I can identify with such God.
Thanks for sharing this great Bible verses Katie!
When God is calling you, you do not need to cower and be anxious. Oftentimes, the calling of God only entails that He wants you to grow closer to Him.
Please read my blog on How to Respond to the Calling of God?
Hope this will also help, Thank you & God Bless!
God is great all the times, and all the times God is Good. The words of wisdom and life .
Nice word
Jesus is the love of God in the flesh ?
Jesus is the word in the flesh. The promise foretold by the prophets of the past. The fulfillment to the enlightenment of our Holy, Glorious, Wonderful, Marvelous and Loving Father, the Creator of all things
I’m so speechless, especially the first verse Proverbs: speak for the poor…
8 years ago I was sick to death, the doctors declared me dead, they were just waiting for my soul to leave my body. But I fought, I told myself it’s not over until God says it’s over. Every night I could see my late grandfather, we would walk around I think heaven because the place was just white. To cut the long story short, I made a commitment to God that I will fight for the oppressed I will fight for the rights of the poor.
So IAM the living testimony that I personally know the power of God, and God can and does raise you from the dead.
I’m available for anyone who needs prayers or that we preach the gospel of God. 0607901278 this is South African number.
Stay blessed 🙏😇
Thanks so much
I am a Christian whose primary aim is to preach the gospel of Christ through music. I created a music group (Eternal Gospel Music Jos City) for the aim of preaching to the poor and needy, through Music. I and my group members came to am understanding that people listens more to music than preaching. So we as a group decided to bring the same preaching to the people but this time, in a musical form. At the end, the gospel is still been preached.
But currently our primary challenge are musical instruments. We don’t necessarily need cash, what we need is instruments.
I believe that God in His infinite Mercy will grant us instruments through this Christian organization.
You can kindly search on Google, the name JOHN MICHEAL NWUKO and see for yourself, that I am a Jos based gospel musician/Minister.
I must commend this organization for your transformative words.
Here is my contact;
+2348103459031
Brother you are right most people this day listen to music more than preaching,so we as gospel artist we need to do much but we always have difficulties in buying those instrument but i know one day we will be bless by God our father,Thank for your choice brother.
Great for me
Thank you for putting this out there. I agree with your opinion and I hope more people would come to agree with this as well.
Four Signs You are Being Called By God
Hope this will help, Thank you!
God is indeed greatful
God is indeed grateful so great to me precious more than life to me
I love all to achieve HEAVEN in JESUS NAME most excellent and wonderful name I call upon, because there is no GOD like him.
His love for me is so great to the extent he made me alive today, help and comfort me in all areas of my life.
Wishing me good and righteous and making me to achieve his wonderful goodness Praise be to my Heavenly Father
HALLELUYAH HOSSANA GREAT IS HE WHO LIVES IN ME AS I LIVE BECAUSE OF HIS PURPOSENFOR ME.
MY DEAR SIBLINGS IN CHRIST JESUS
I NEED TO TELL YOU THIS: FORMULA TO MAKE HEAVEN
GOD=ALL VIRTUES
YOUR BEAUTIFUL AND HOLY DREAM = MY BEAUTIFUL AND WINDERFUL HOME ON HIGH
HEAVEN
GREAT IS THE LORD OF LORDS
ALPHA AND OMEGA
GREATEST
WONDERFUL WONDERFUL
PLEASE DONT FORGET TO PLEASE GOD NOT YOUR SELF
Great , God bless you
May God bless you for the scripture,but philipians 3:12-14 as entered very deep in my soul and no one can remove it out of my soul.Thank for building my faith in God today be bless in Jesus Christ name.
I was looking for verses containing the phrase “call on the Lord” and I saw your website.
Ihave burning burden on opharns ad the windows. Want to the voice hand ad the legs God will use to reach them .
Thank you.I really enjoyed reading these scriptures.God bless you
Jesus is the body of God in fresh!!
May the peace of the lord be with your family in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Am blessed to be called by God😊
I am so blessed to have been called by God. I will never get tired of singing His praises and worshiping our Lord. And every song I sing, HE SPEAKS. He gives wisdom and by this I share the message to the pulpit as a worship leader and He touches the heart of the congregation, moved by the Holy Spirit. I am so amazed…
Great are you my Lord.
I’m so grateful to be here
Hello to all my brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus ,
I am glad to be connected and strengthened biblically. Together, we can move the kingdom of God forward through local and international evangelism. May God grant us grace and give wisdom to proclaim HIS WORD. May God bless us all, amen!
Hallelujah!
This scriptures are really inspiring!
Excellent selection of verses on God’s calling on our lives.
Also 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
Iam so very happy that the question I’ve had on my heart heavy became lighter and lighter as I read threw here and when I landed on 1 Peter 3:9 I could breath easy god bless each and every one .Jesus christ is lord in Jesus loving name AMEN. AND THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. GLORY BE TO GOD HOW BEAUTIFUL.
thank you so much l have see what am looking for
All thanks to GOD
For. Those who love rhe Lord, is here for you
If this job seems to help the Gods kingdom, surely one should strive, regards