5 Types of Calling in the Bible | “Hineni,” Here I Am!

This blog post is all about 5 Types of Calling in the Bible

Hey friends, I’m super happy to be discussing this topic on types of calling in the Bible.🤗

For those unaware, I love talking about purpose and calling because there was a time when I felt lost and that purpose wasn’t in my future. Of course, that was a lie from the enemy. I talk about this in my testimony video. You can check that out later.🙏🏾

Before I begin, let me start by saying there is no right or wrong way to receive a call from God. God is our Father and loves us equally, but His relationship with us is unique, as well as our personalities; as such, our callings are special and tailor-made.

No matter how God speaks to you, remember that His plans are to prosper you, not harm you! His plans will give you a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Additionally, His call over your life will always be congruent to His word, and the blueprint He placed in your life before you were in your mother’s womb!

Friends, let’s not be hasty. Let us learn to be patient and still in His presence long enough to hear what He has to say. Calling can come as a dream, a vision, or even a sign. When we take the time to listen and pay attention to the little things around us, we may be surprised at how easy it is to recognize God’s calling.

Check it out🌸 Quick overview of what I’ll discuss:

• 5 Types of Calling in the Bible
• Characteristics of each calling
• Biblical examples of God’s calling
• “Hineni,” a Hebrew word associated with accepting God’s call.

Caveat: This idea of “calling” is actually about discovering the calling that God already placed in you before you were born. ❤️

Ready? Let’s go!

“Hineni” and its Meaning

A few weeks ago, Sarah Liberman released a beautiful song that has the Hebrew word “Hineni.” (I’ve embedded the song at the end of this post)

Sarah Liberman beautifully explains this word by saying it’s all about surrender and saying, “Yes, even before He (the Lord) asks.”

The term “Hineni” is derived from two words: “hinne,” meaning “here,” and “ani,” meaning “I.” Together this phrase literally translates to “Here I am.” It can also mean “I’m ready” and symbolizes a person’s readiness and willingness to answer God’s call.

P.S. The word “Hineni” is used in many Bible stories, but a notable one is when Abraham used it when God called him to sacrifice his son, Isaac.  Another place this word is used is when God called Samuel and he responds, “Here I am; you called me.”

The Significance of “Hineni”– Here I Am 

Can I tell you a fun fact about me? I love researching compound words because I speak other languages that use compound words often. During my research, I found that “Hineni” has weight, depth, and spiritual significance.

Here is a website that provides a description that moved me. It says:

“Hineni” is a pure, astonished, unguarded affirmation given before all the facts are known. It is a spontaneous, unequivocal commitment promising: “I am here”, where and as you found me, fully attentive, focused, all in. And even more, “I am here”- all of me, with all that I am and all that I can be.

Sefaria– “The Deepest Meanings of Hineni.”

Honestly, what can I possibly add to that? I have goosebumps reading and re-reading that!😭😭😭

5 Types of Calling in the Bible

Now that I’ve laid the foundation of this particular blog post, I want to move over to the types of calls. This isn’t to be confused with the fivefold ministry. If you are interested in that topic, click here to read my blog post.

The 5 Types of Calling in the Bible relate to different ways or how God can call you. Of course, we can’t put God in a box, and the Bible has numerous other examples of callings in the Bible, but I’m choosing to mention only five.

P.S. People can have one or a combination of two or multiple types of calls.

Here they are:

1. Call from Birth or Tender Age

The call from birth is a call that comes to an individual at a very young age. This calling type is marked by an inner conviction from the Lord and a strong sense of purpose. The Bible records several examples of individuals called in this way, such as Samuel (1 Samuel 3:5-10) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-10).

This call is not necessarily an outwardly visible sign but rather an inner knowledge of God’s desires for your life. This type of call will often remain with the individual throughout their life and provide them with direction and guidance.

Let’s look at the life of Samuel, whom God called as a child to serve Him and become a prophet (1 Samuel 3:4-10). From a young age, he was devoted to the Lord’s service and faithfully followed His commands. He grew up to be one of the most influential prophets in the Bible.

The call from birth or tender age is an example of how God can call individuals at any age and give them a purpose for their life. It reminds us that we are never too young to answer God’s call and that He is always ready to use us to bring about His plans. So if you have ever felt the Lord tugging at your heart, don’t be afraid to take a step of faith and answer His call. You may find that it is the start of something truly incredible.

Takeaway characteristics:

1) Marked by an inner conviction from the Lord and a strong sense of purpose.

2) Inner knowledge of what God desires for your life, not necessarily an outwardly visible sign.

3) Reminds us that we are never too young to answer God’s call and that He is always ready to use us to bring about His plans.

2. Damascus Road Call

The Damascus road call is a miracle of conversion and a dramatic demonstration of God’s power. On the road to Damascus, Saul was struck down by a light from heaven and heard the voice of Jesus saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4).

This call dramatically transformed Saul from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle (Paul) for Christ (Acts 9:15). His calling moved him to preach the gospel throughout Europe and Asia Minor, eventually leading to his martyrdom.

The Damascus road call demonstrates the awe-inspiring power of God, as He can take a person’s life and turn it around completely. It also shows us that no matter how far we may have strayed, God is always willing to reach out and bring us back to Him. So if you are feeling lost or directionless, don’t give up hope because no matter how far away you may be, the Lord can still call you to Himself and use your life for His glory.

Takeaway characteristics:

1) Direct encounter with the Lord that leaves an individual in awe of His power.

2) Supernatural experience that radically redirects the course of someone’s life and draws them into a relationship with God.

3) Example of the power of God to take a life headed in the wrong direction and completely redirect it for His purpose.

3. Open Door or “Divine Opportunity” Call

The open door call is a call that comes to individuals when God opens a door of opportunity for them. This calling often gives individuals an unexpected chance to serve the Lord and further His kingdom. The Bible records several examples of this call, such as Paul in Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12), Peter (Acts 10) and Barnabas (Acts 13:2-4).

This call is characterized by a sudden opportunity to serve the Lord in a new and unexpected way. It often comes out of nowhere, providing individuals an open door to make a difference in the world. This type of call can be both thrilling and daunting, as it requires us to take risks and trust that God will lead us where He wants us to go.

If you ever feel blessed with a God- opportunity to make a difference, don’t be afraid to take a step of faith and answer the Lord’s call. You may find that it is the start of something truly extraordinary.

If you are curious about this type of call, please read more about my post on open doors!

Takeaway characteristics:

1) Sudden opportunity to serve the Lord in a new and unexpected way.

2) Requires us to take risks and trust that God will lead us.

3) Reminds us that when God gives us a chance, we should take it and trust that He will lead us on an incredible journey.

4. Gradual Call (Build-Up)

The gradual call is a call that builds up slowly over time, gradually turning into an unmistakable conviction from the Lord. This type of call often comes through small nudges and hints, and it requires us to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. The Bible records several examples of this type of call, such as part of Abraham’s calling (Genesis 12:1-4).

God called Abraham to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4). This call began with a simple directive that gradually grew into a conviction that the Lord would shape Abraham’s life for years to come. His example reminds us that the Lord can use small, seemingly insignificant moments to call us into something greater.

Important! I believe there is an element of a “gradual” or “progressive” call in everyone’s life. Why? Because we walk by faith and not by sight. Typically God will not show us all the details, otherwise we will be purely operating in sight!

1 Corinthians 13:9, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.”

Takeaway characteristics:

1) Sense of gradual growth and development often starts with small nudges before gradually building into an unmistakable conviction from the Lord.

2) Requires us to be sensitive to God’s voice and obediently follow His leading.

3) Reminds us we must be attentive to the voice of the Spirit and obediently follow His leading, even when it doesn’t make sense.

5. Call from “Within”

The call from within is a call that is placed in our Spirit by God. A sense of urgency and passion often marks this call, reminding us that we each have something special to offer the world. The Bible records several examples of this call, such as Joseph (Genesis 37:5-8) and Esther (Esther 4:14).

This call is characterized by a sense of urgency and excitement in pursuing a mission or purpose. It often comes as an inner knowing that we are meant to do something great, and it is up to us to take the necessary steps toward accomplishing it. This calling can be incredibly inspiring, reminding us of our potential and ability to make a difference in the world.

As stated earlier, this call can be seen in the life of Joseph, who God called to become a leader and interpreter of dreams. This call stirred up a passion and purpose that he could not ignore.

The call from within is an example of how the Lord can work through each and every one of us to bring about His will in this world. It reminds us that we all have something special to offer, and it is up to us to pursue our mission with passion and determination.

Takeaway characteristics:

1) Sense of urgency and excitement in pursuing a mission or purpose.

2) It Comes as an inner knowing that we are meant to do something great, and it is up to us to take the necessary steps toward accomplishing it.

3) We all have something special to offer, and it is up to us to pursue our mission with passion and determination.

[Bonus] Open Heaven Call or Divine Encounter

The Heaven’s open call is a call that comes directly from God in the form of a vision or revelation. A sense of awe and wonder often marks this type of call, as it reminds us of the incredible power of God at work in our lives. The Bible records several examples of this call, such as Moses (Exodus 3:1-4)

This call provides individuals with an insight into the mind of God. This call can be humbling and overwhelming, reminding us of our Lord’s incredible power and majesty.

In regards to the life of Moses, a divine encounter (burning bush!) can be seen when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This call enabled him to witness firsthand the power and glory of God, providing him with a glimpse into His remarkable plan for humanity.

Heaven’s open call exemplifies how the Lord can reveal His glory in unexpected ways.

Takeaway characteristics:

1) Sense of awe and wonder after the encounter.

2) Comes in the form of visions, encounters or revelations, providing individuals with an insight into the mind of God.

3) Reminds us that we must be open to receiving revelation from God, as it can lead to amazing things.

And that’s it, folks, 5 types of calling in the Bible

The phrase “Hineni-Here I Am” is an essential concept in purpose that reminds us of our readiness to answer God’s call. It calls for humility and acceptance of whatever mission He has planned for us.

No matter how or when you discover the call over your life (already placed before you were in your mother’s womb), I pray you will say- “Hineni” and accept that call over your life.❤️

Hugs,