Holy Moments: When God Calls and How to Respond

Have you ever felt God trying to get your attention in an unexpected way? Those divine interruptions - those holy moments - can completely reshape your life's direction if you respond correctly.

The Pattern of Holy Moments

Looking at two pivotal encounters in Scripture - Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-5) and Joshua near Jericho (Joshua 5:13-15) - we discover a powerful pattern for how God calls ordinary people to extraordinary purposes.

In both cases, God orchestrated unexpected encounters that required these men to:

• Notice the unusual circumstance

• Stop and turn aside to investigate

• Remove their shoes in recognition of holy ground

• Listen carefully to divine instructions

• Respond with immediate obedience

This same pattern continues today as God seeks to get our attention and call us into deeper service.

Preparation Before the Calling

Before their holy moments, both Moses and Joshua underwent years of preparation they didn't fully understand at the time. Moses spent 40 years tending sheep in the wilderness - the very skills he would need to shepherd God's people. Joshua served faithfully under Moses's leadership before being called to lead Israel himself.

The same principle applies now: God often uses your current circumstances, even difficult ones, to prepare you for future assignments. What feels like a detour may actually be divine preparation.

Recognizing God's Voice

A critical element in both encounters was these men's ability to recognize and respond to God's voice. Moses heard God call his name from the burning bush and replied "Here I am" (Exodus 3:4). Joshua encountered the commander of the Lord's army and asked "What does my Lord say to his servant?" (Joshua 5:14).

This teaches us that developing spiritual sensitivity - learning to recognize God's voice - is essential for walking in your calling. Just as a child must learn their parent's voice, believers must learn to distinguish God's voice from all others.

The Power of Immediate Response

What if Moses had ignored the burning bush? What if Joshua had been too afraid to approach the armed figure? Their immediate response to God's attention-getting tactics opened the door for divine instruction and empowerment.

When God speaks today - whether through His Word, circumstances, or that still small voice within - immediate response remains crucial. Delayed obedience is often disobedience in disguise.

Beyond Human Ability

Notice that in both cases, God called these men to tasks far beyond their natural abilities: - Moses: Confront Pharaoh and lead millions out of slavery - Joshua: Take fortified cities starting with Jericho

God still operates this way, calling His people to assignments that require supernatural enabling. If what God is asking feels completely beyond your ability, you're in good company. Divine callings always require divine enabling.

Practical Steps for Today

To cultivate holy moments, create space for God by setting aside regular time in His presence, removing distractions, and practicing stillness before Him. Develop spiritual sensitivity by studying His Word daily, paying attention to unusual circumstances, and asking for discernment.

When He speaks, respond promptly—don’t delay or overanalyze, but say "yes" even before knowing all the details. Trust that His power will enable you for whatever He calls you to do, even when it seems beyond your ability. A life of faith is marked by immediate obedience, unwavering trust, and a willingness to step into the unknown, knowing that God equips those He calls.

The Call to Action

God is still creating holy moments today, seeking those who will turn aside from their normal routines to encounter Him. Will you be one who responds? Will you say "Here am I" when He calls?

Remember: The very thing that feels impossible today may be preparing you for tomorrow's calling. The challenge that seems too big may be setting the stage for God's supernatural intervention.

Don't let fear of inadequacy hold you back. When God calls, He also enables. Your holy moment could be just around the corner - stay alert, stay responsive, and stay ready to remove your shoes on holy ground.

The question isn't whether God is speaking - it's whether we're listening and ready to respond.