Getting a Call

Getting a Call

From Grace for All by Jim Stovall, Greta Smith, First United Methodist Church, Maryville, TN

May 4, 2026 · 6 min · Season 24 · Episode 899

About this episode

This episode explores the concept of receiving a call from Jesus and the importance of responding to both significant life changes and subtle spiritual nudges.

Matthew 9:9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he rose and followed him. As a tax collector, Matthew most likely had a fairly lucrative business. And yet, at the request of Jesus, he left his tax booth and followed. Similarly, Peter went ashore, laid down his nets, and followed Jesus when summoned. And their lives would never be the same. All of his disciples left their well established lives to follow Jesus throughout his ministry and beyond. Have you ever received such a call that would drastically change your life's trajectory and chose to follow that call? Such a call is usually a clear summon to go in a very different life direction. Such a call involves an unmistakable choice and requires an action on our part. But what about the more subtle spirit nudges that we encounter on a regular basis. These don't involve pivotal life choices but are still a beckoning to action. When we see the person at the gas pump next to us who only puts $10 worth of gas in their car because that's all they can afford. Or someone who has to choose groceries to put back when they discover that they can't afford…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jim Stovall, Greta Smith

Topics covered

  • calling
  • faith
  • discipleship
  • spiritual nudges
  • life choices
  • impact on others

Keywords

  • Matthew
  • Peter
  • calling
  • discipleship
  • spiritual nudges
  • faith
  • impact

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: First United Methodist Church

Places: Maryville, TN

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