Help! I’ve Been ‘Called’ to the Nations
The room is silent, heavy with anticipation. All eyes are fixed on the altar. The man of God wipes the sweat from his brow, closes his eyes, and places his hands on a stranger. His voice resounds: “You are called to the nations.” The room collectively gasps. A lump rises in your throat, and you find yourself moved to tears. Yet, in the back of your mind, a quiet thought lingers: “God, when will it be my turn?”
But let’s pause for a moment. What does “called to the nations” actually mean? Is it truly a divine directive to cross borders and continents, or is it a well-meaning yet vague phrase that’s never fully explained?
“All Nations”: It’s Not What You Think
Here’s the reality check: it’s not about a photo-ready missionary moment or a heavenly assignment to exotic destinations. Instead, it’s about rolling up your sleeves and making an impact where it truly matters—often far from the spotlight. Let’s unpack what “called to the nations” really means.
The words "all nations" in Matthew 28:19 have been responsible for many a dramatic altar call, complete with tears and a fresh passport application. But here’s the kicker: those words aren’t about countries as we know them. The Greek phrase "panta ta ethne" means people groups — communities defined by shared language, culture, or religion. It’s shorthand for "Gentiles," aka non-Jews. So yes, when Jesus says, "Go and make disciples of all nations," He’s not identifying nations but instead who are the people I am calling you to serve?
It’s worth noting that Jesus instructed His disciples to start locally, saying, “Go to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6), before sending them out globally. The takeaway? You need to demonstrate faithfulness in your immediate environment—where God has placed you—before being called to a broader mission. So, if you haven’t even begun to love the neighbour you can see today, what makes you think you’re ready for ‘ethne’ across the world?
The Danger of Cultural Prophecy
Cultural prophecy is a concept that deserves more attention and clarity, so let me define it to avoid any misunderstanding.
Cultural prophecy refers to the way prophetic words are shaped by the cultural, social, or regional nuances of the environment in which they are spoken. While prophecy is divinely inspired, the language, themes, and expressions often reflect the cultural context of both the people delivering and receiving the message.
The purpose of this article is not to question the legitimacy of prophecy or to label anyone a false prophet. Instead, it seeks to highlight how cultural undertones can subtly influence the delivery and focus of prophetic words. This is especially important in cultures like ours (Nigeria—I cannot speak for elsewhere), where success, wealth, and leadership are highly esteemed. In such contexts, prophetic words often emphasize themes of prominence, prosperity, or influence.
For instance, common prophetic declarations might sound like: “God calls you the David of your family—a liberator,” or “God is going to lift you high so everyone will know He is God.” Another frequent example is, “You are called to be a kingdom financier, and God will open the doors of wealth for you.” These themes align with cultural aspirations and values, reflecting the environment in which they are delivered.
Is there anything inherently wrong with these prophecies? Not at all. Can God say such things? Absolutely. However, we must tread carefully in prophetic settings where the words consistently carry grand promises, often tinged with undertones of “bigmanism.” These declarations can stir emotions, electrify a room, and encourage people to cling tightly to the promises spoken over them. But there’s a hidden danger here—when the emphasis is always on the grand and visible, we risk overlooking the quiet, unseen ways God often works.
For example, someone faithfully serving the youth in their local community—far from the spotlight, with no cameras or accolades—might begin to feel that their prophetic journey is somehow less significant. This is a subtle but harmful misconception.
When Prophecies Mirror the Heart: Discerning the True Voice of God
Too often, we confuse well-meaning but vague words for a divine mandate because, in the grand scheme of things, they secretly mirror the desires of our heart. Instead of seeking clarity, we’re pressured into big moves because it sounds holier to "go" than to "stay." Dreaming of Canada or the United States? That’s fine. But what about the marginalized people in your own city? Sometimes, the most impactful mission fields are the least glamorous.
The Bible warns us in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Not every word that sounds holy is genuinely from God, and not every confirmation of our desires is a divine endorsement. Our hearts, while deeply loved by God, are also susceptible to deceit. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Left unchecked, our hearts can pull us into directions that reflect human desires rather than God’s purposes.
When a prophecy aligns too perfectly with what we secretly hope for, it feels almost irresistible to believe it’s from God. For example:
A person yearning for wealth may eagerly embrace a word declaring them a "kingdom financier."
Someone tired of their current environment may latch onto a prophecy about being sent “to the nations.”
A leader struggling with obscurity might eagerly receive a word about their name being made great.
These words resonate deeply because they appear to validate what we already want. But resonance is not the same as revelation. God’s word often challenges us, calls us to die to self, and pushes us toward transformation rather than comfort.
Pressure-Based Prophecies: The Christian Pyramid Scheme
Let’s talk about the phenomenon I’ll call the “prophetic MMM” circulating in some church circles. Here’s how it plays out:
Someone declares you’re “called to the nations.”
You’re handed a microphone to share your “testimony.”
Suddenly, you feel immense pressure to do something dramatic—as if to prove your faith or calling to yourself and others.
Photo by Andrew Gook on Unsplash
But then reality sets in, and things don’t go as you envisioned. You try to “faith it,” sow financial seeds in desperation, seek additional prophetic words for encouragement, and attend conference after conference hoping for a breakthrough—but nothing changes. Eventually, one of three outcomes usually follows:
Disillusionment: You grow suspicious of God, harbouring silent disappointment, yet continue to worship and pray out of fear of angering Him.
Abandonment: You decide God is unjust or unreliable, abandoning your faith and returning to the world, which feels “simpler.”
Surrender: You recognize and repent of the idols in your heart, drawing closer to God and embracing His plans on His terms.
This hype-driven process rarely allows people the space to pause and ask, “What did God actually say?” Instead, we become captivated by grand promises and the allure of what’s to come. Yet here’s the truth: God rarely skips steps. He doesn’t call someone to “the nations” without first preparing and grounding them in their local context.
Consider the biblical examples:
Moses spent years shepherding in Midian before God called him to lead Israel.
David faithfully tended sheep long before he ever faced Goliath.
Even Jesus lived a quiet, obedient life for 30 years before beginning His ministry.
So why do we assume we’re the exception? God’s process is deliberate, designed to prepare and equip us for what lies ahead. Let’s not rush it or substitute hype for His timing.
As my mum always says, “Prevention is better than cure.”
The wise Christian understands that every prophecy must be carefully examined. What does Scripture say? Test all spirits! And if you refuse to learn the easy way, you will learn the hard way. It doesn’t matter if the word came from the most renowned prophet in the world, standing on Mount Sinai, or from a stranger who seemed angelic in their delivery—test it all.
Discerning the Voice of God
Prophecy is not meant to function in isolation; it is designed to be part of a continuous dialogue with God. By testing and confirming prophetic words, you align your actions with His will, responding with wisdom, faith, and obedience. To avoid being misled by mirrored personal desires or external pressures, we must remain firmly rooted in God’s truth and actively cultivate discernment.
Test the Word Against Scripture: Does the prophecy align with biblical principles? Does it lead you to greater dependence on God, or does it appeal to your ego?
Seek Confirmation Through Prayer: Take the prophecy back to God. Ask Him for confirmation through His Word, circumstances, or inner peace. God’s voice brings clarity and peace, not confusion, pressure or performance.
Examine Your Heart: Reflect honestly on your motives. Does the prophecy resonate because it aligns with God’s will or because it validates your desires?
Look for Fruit: True prophecies produce lasting fruit, such as spiritual growth, deeper intimacy with God, and alignment with His purposes.
Anchor Yourself in Community: Surround yourself with mature believers who prioritize God’s heart over human desires.
Check Your Motives: Faithfulness starts at home.
Before stepping out, ask yourself:
Am I running toward a calling or away from my problems?
Do I feel pressured to fulfil someone else’s prophecy?
Have I been faithful in the small things?
Am I seeking God’s glory or my own adventure?
Final Thoughts
“Called to the nations” isn’t a status symbol; it’s a serious assignment. Let’s not cheapen it with cultural hype or turn it into a glamorous excuse for escapism. Nations mean people—and people are everywhere, not just in exotic locales.
Start where you are. Love well. Trust that if God wants to send you, He’ll make it unmistakably clear. And if He doesn’t? Remember, the mission field isn’t always across oceans—it’s often right in front of you, waiting in the lives of the people you see every day.
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About Matthew
Matthew Watchman is a devoted husband, father of two, pastor, writer,counselor, and missionary serving in Brazil. Discover more about his journey to Brazil here — Watch Now. With years of experience, Matthew has coached hundreds of individuals and authored several books and workbooks. He enjoys writing, pineapple on pizza, and watching the WWE (It’s not fake). To book a one-on-one counseling session with Matthew, click here - Book Now
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