Called

driftwoodriverWe have reached the phase in life where our oldest son has started looking at colleges. He is spending a lot of time contemplating what he wants to do with his life. He has lots of great ideas and interests. At one point, I asked him is that what you are being called to do? He looked at me somewhat surprised and said he wasn’t sure.

Over the years my calling has evolved and changed. I haven’t always been able to see the purpose of my pursuits, but most of the time have felt led by God. This does not mean that my life has walked a straight line or been easy. There have been many ups and downs, twists and turns over the years. There have even been times when I tried to tell God, no. Okay, many times. I told him no to writing the blog, to writing a book, to taking care of Papa, and I even tried to tell him I wasn’t smart enough to finish my doctorate.

I have managed to accomplish those things not through my own strength but through God’s. When God calls, His promises prevail.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29 NIV).

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11 NIV).

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being (Ephesians 3:16 NIV).

The big question becomes, “How do I know my calling?” There isn’t an easy answer to this question. There is a deep sense of knowing that comes from continual prayer and conversation with God. It is a knowing that is built through relationship. I tell Him my fears and my dreams and always surround that with the statement, “But God, your will only for my life.” Praying for God’s will in my life and building that relationship has allowed me to feel called in every aspect of my life. Yep, every aspect including work, ministry, family, and fun.

As we keep the conversation open with God, His spirit guides our inner most being. It gives me a sense deep within as to the direction I’m to go. Honestly, sometimes it feels like a waste of time, or that it’s taking to long, but it’s in hindsight that I see His perfection. I see His molding of my life. I see the journey we have been on together. I see how rich my life has been because I was willing to focus on His will and not my own. There have been times when I have argued with God and told him I didn’t want to do it. In the end, I always do it, and He is always right.

All of us are being called. Are you listening? Are you arguing? Are you ignoring? What is your next step? I encourage you to quiet yourself and open your heart to the richness that God is calling you toward.

How do you listen to God’s call? How do you know His direction? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.