CALLED ! Are you answering?

Called by God

Pastor Calvin Cook

December 19, 2025

Scripture: “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.’” – Luke 1:30

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…” – Matthew 1:20

There is something sacred and humbling about being called by God. It is beautiful and powerful, yes but rarely easy. When we look at Mary and Joseph, we see two ordinary people drawn into an extraordinary solitary purpose. Neither one asked for it. Neither one fully understood it. And yet, they responded.

This call that they received was something that had never happened before and would never happen again. Mary was called to carry the Son of God. Joseph was called to walk beside her, protecting a child that was not biologically his. Both were called into uncertainty, into cultural risk, into danger, into sacrifice into faith.

Their first response for either Mary or Joseph wasn’t bold confidence. It was fear. The angel had to speak the same words to each: “Do not be afraid.”

Maybe that’s why this story must matter so much today.  We, too, are called by God not always into grand stories, but daily ones. Called to trust beyond understanding. Called to love beyond comfort. Called to follow when the path isn’t clear.

God didn’t choose Mary and Joseph because of their strength. God made them strong because He chose them, and they were willing to receive, remain faithful, and follow.

And God does the same with us.

Your call will not look like Mary and Joseph call, like mine, or anyone else. Your calling is yours it is personal. But it does have the same background. It is God inviting you into something bigger than fear. Bigger than past mistakes. Bigger than expected.

I recently had a friend who is trying to find their way in life, in their walk with Christ say “I have lived up to my expectations of everybody else, what my parents wanted, what my girlfriend wanted, what I thought I wanted, only to find myself still searching for something more. Now I have to live into what God is calling me to.”

The most faithful thing Mary and Joseph did was simply say yes.

What if that’s the invitation before us today?

To say yes.

Yes to God’s leading.

Yes to God’s timing.

Yes to God’s voice.

Even if we don’t have all the answers.

Especially when we don’t.

Because calling isn’t about being ready.

Calling is about being willing.

Prayer: Lord, make me willing. Where fear speaks loudly, speak louder. Where uncertainty clouds the path, shine Your light. As Mary and Joseph trusted You, help me trust You. Give me courage to say yes to Your calling today. Amen.