Rep. James Lankford claimed at a debate earlier this month in Lawton, Oklahoma that he was called by God for run for Congress.

Lankford is one of seven Republicans vying to replace retiring Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK). During the GOP primary debate on June 6, the candidates were asked which biblical figure they most resembled.

“I would say Paul, for me,” Lankford responded. “I have great, great love for the writings of Paul. For me, this is a journey issue. Paul set out on a journey and did not expect where he was going. God completely interrupted his life.”

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Lankford said he had served as a full time minister for 22 years before successfully running to represent Oklahoma’s 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010.

“In 2008 and 2009, my wife and I both clearly heard God call us and say this is what I want you to do. We spent seven months struggling and praying through that. Finally, it came to the point and time where we had to say, I’m going to be an old man one day telling my grandchildren about the time I didn’t follow God if I don’t do this.”

Lankford said he wished to be an effective legislator who inspired other Christian lawmakers to follow his example. He added it was his job to share the message of Christ with the people around him in Congress.

“I have done that,” Lankford remarked. “I have been honored to lead other members to Christ, even lead lobbyists to Christ while I’ve been there.”

Watch video below.

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[Image via House GOP, Creative Commons licensed]