Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your child who has obeyed and is reading this word today. Lord, as you have given each and every one of us a particular calling, I know and trust that you are working to perfect your gifts and callings in us as we submit to your Perfect Will. Lord, right now, I ask that you will consume our hearts with your desires and fulfill your very purpose in us. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
Before creation even existed, God had a plan. He planned you and manufactured everything you would need to be successful in this life; that also includes your calling. Before we go deeper, lets break down what a 'calling' really is. In a recent TEDTalk, the speaker described a calling as doing something you're good at, feeling appreciated, and making people's lives better. But what does the living word say about our calling?
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15:16
First and foremost, it is important to understand that 'God's gifts and calling are irrevocable. He will not change His mind about the gifts and calling that He has placed upon your life. This is administered by His Grace. God called each and every one of us to bear fruit. No, not actual fruits but spiritual ones. These spiritual fruits include love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These fruits equip the church to do ministry in order to make the world and church better. The more we pursue these fruits, the more likely we are to fall in alignment with our calling. It is important to note that the calling to follow Christ lies at the root of every other calling.
We see throughout the bible, that God audibly called many people; Moses, Samuel, Martha, Jacob, Martha, Simon, and Saul among many others. While many people have this experience, the majority does not. The majority usually go through a cycle that goes as followed: Revelation →Resistance→Commission→Partnership→Service. Once we receive the revelation of our calling, there usually is some sort of resistance because God's call often times asks us to let go of things that are familiar and comfortable. Once we get over that threshold, God's voice becomes clearer and we feel compelled to respond. Once there is a response to the call, there usually is a partnership with a mentor, church, ministry or community where you begin to fit more into the call. Once there is partnership, service happens which brings the call into full effect in your life.
It is important to note that your call is particular to you and will only be recognized through your personal relationship with Christ. You should never compare your call to others as each and every one of us have been called according to the Grace given to us. But one thing that remains for each and every one of us, we have not been called to be served but have been called to serve (Mark 10:45). Make it your point today to spend some time to with Christ in order to identify what your calling is because your calling ultimately is attached to your blessing and destiny.
