Calling. This is a very Christian word. It’s used often like this: “I want to spend my life and energy on my calling, not on just surviving life.” Or perhaps, “I just want to discover my calling and pursue it.” Or the great Christian cop-out: “I’m just not called to do that,” often paired with “not everyone is called into that kind of sacrifice.”
If we can peel back the layers of cliche, though, there is indeed something here. The concept, at its core, is this:
There is a God. He loves us and knows us so intimately that He’s personally involved in our lives. He “calls” us – invites us, equips us, or simply allows us to be in situations and doing work that intersect our experiences, gifts, talents and passions with His redemptive work on Earth. We can run from it, resist or ignore it. Or we can lean into it and embrace us. He gives us the freedom to choose.
Here’s where it gets tricky, though; what is my calling? Is it singular, for a lifetime? Is it seasonal? Is it just whatever I’m supposed to do today? Will God audibly speak to everyone and make it clear? How do I know? The questions go on and on, most of which, if we’re honest, we can’t answer with total certainty. The only thing I’m certain about is that God won’t call us into something that directly contradicts his nature. Beyond that, I’m really not sure.
This is where simple faith comes in. Do you think God might be calling you to take that step? Take it, and see what fruit develops. Do you think God might be calling you to talk to that person? Talk to them, and see what happens. Do you think God might be calling you to an entirely new place for sacrificial service? Take the steps to seriously explore it and see if the path opens up.
Remember: in Christ, there is freedom. This means freedom to explore our calling too. It could be defined and lived out in a lot of different ways. But if it’s real, it would be a shame to ignore it entirely. So today, dare to ask God, “Are you calling me into something? Am I called for a specific purpose? Is there a call you’ve placed on my life that I’ve run from?” Then wait expectantly – He is a God who still speaks if we’ll have ears, eyes, hearts and minds to listen.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Joel
Joel Searby
