WALKING IN YOUR HIGH CALLING
There comes a time in the life of every believer, defining moment, of an upward invitation from heaven to rise, to step forward, and to embrace the purpose for which God created them. For Word of Life Church, 2026 is such a time. Our theme, “Walking in Your High Calling,” is not just a slogan or cliché for the year; it is a divine challenge to awaken the gifts God has placed within us and to walk boldly in the destiny He has prepared. It is a call to stir up, a call to keep the fire on the altar burning. A call to arise and be counted. A time to create a legacy.
In his second letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul writes with tenderness and urgency:
2 Timothy 1:6
6 “Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands”
Paul reminds Timothy of the sincere faith passed down from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. He acknowledges Timothy’s tears, his struggles, and his hesitations. Yet Paul does not allow him to shrink back. Instead, he calls him to action—to rekindle the flame of God’s gift within him. This same call is my challenge to us as a Church in 2026. “Stir up the gift of God which is in you”
Many believers hesitate to step into their calling because fear whispers that they are not ready, not capable, rejection, or not worthy. But Paul addresses this lie head‑on when he said to Timothy
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Fear is a spirit, and it does not come from God. Fear is a spirit from the pit of hell. False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear will paralyse you; fear will run you out of town, fear will stifle your gift, fear will stop you from answering and walking in the call of God on your life. Yet scripture tells us that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us. (Romans 8:11) He does not just dwell, He quickens, He gives spiritual life and strength to our human body. To work the same work that Christ worked, even greater works (John 14:12). He empowers us with courage, clarity, and conviction.
What Is in Your Hand?
The account of Moses gives a powerful parallel. When God called Moses in the burning bush, he responded with numerous excuses.
“Suppose they will not believe me…”
—Exodus 4:1
God’s answer was simple and direct.
“What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.”
—Exodus 4:2
A rod, ordinary, unimpressive, irrelevant, not glamorous, and common. Yet in God’s hands, it became an instrument of miracles. The question remains the same today. What has God placed in your hand?
What gift, skill, or passion has He entrusted to you? Whether it is teaching, serving, leading, encouraging, creating, or interceding, God is calling you to use what you have for His glory.
Who Made Your Mouth?
Moses’ second excuse was his lack of eloquence:
—Exodus 4:10
“I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
But God replied:
Exodus 4:11–12
“Who has made man’s mouth? … Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth.”
God is not asking for your ability. He is asking for your availability. Are you available or will you be available? He is the One who made your mouth, your hands, your mind, and your gifts. He is not looking for mavericks, superstars or the educated. He is looking for you. He is the One who equips, strengthens, and empowers.
Jesus affirmed this when He promised us the Holy Spirit. He said to His disciples
- “He will teach you all things.” (John 14:26)
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
- “He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13-15)
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore, I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
You are not alone. The Spirit of God walks with you, speaks through you, and works in you.
Pressing Toward the Upward Call
Philippians 3:12
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
Like Paul, we acknowledge that we have not yet arrived but one thing we will do in 2026 is to press on until we get there. We refuse to be held captive by past failures, disappointments, or fears. We reach forward to what lies ahead. We pursue the upward call of God with renewed passion and unwavering resolve.
In 2026 and beyond, I am calling every member of Word of Life Church to arise. Heaven has invested something precious in you. The gifts within you are not dormant they are waiting to be stirred, awakened, and released. The body of Christ needs your gift stir it up. The call of God is upon your life.
Arise and shine for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
