Sometimes the idea of a "calling" sounds like a humble brag.
Maybe it's because I wish I had that kind of certainty. Without a doubt, there have been times when I knew I was on point with my purpose. Still, a calling feels bigger than that. I always assumed it would be overwhelmingly obvious like a divine "burning bush." Now I'm starting to see my calling less about burning bushes and more about chasing inklings.
Rather than one big calling, I'm starting to see my purpose more like "assignments." In some ways, it takes the pressure off not to have one huge thing I'm doing for God. Assignments can sometimes be tasks, but sometimes they could be about letting something go, listening quietly, resting, or taking a break from something. God wants our hearts more than He wants our accomplishments. After all, He is God. He doesn't really need us to get stuff done. He gently invites us into chasing after the dreams He whispers in our hearts, using the gifts that only we can bring.
Maybe you know what your calling is. Or maybe like me, you have a few ideas but long for certainty. Wherever you land, here are a few questions to consider for "what's your calling?"
1. What's God Putting Before You?
Instead of seeing my big purpose "out there" I'm working on noticing what is "right here." I'm learning to see interruptions or random conversations not as random, but more divine appointments. Do you notice a neighbor that is shut in or lonely? Visit them. Do you see someone working hard in your fitness class? Encourage them. Is your friend struggling? Stop the conversation right there and pray. Often our purpose is right where our feet are. Those are all holy assignments. In the words of Theologian and Christian Author Henry Blackaby, "Find where God is already working and join Him there."
2. What Do You Have to Give (Besides Money)?
We are called to give, but not always money. Sometimes people just want to be heard and for someone to sit with them during a difficult season. Or sometimes they are grateful that you remembered a job interview and asked how it went. Sometimes you can share what you know or connect them with someone who can help them. Sometimes giving is about money and sometimes it's simply walking alongside someone in encouragement. Consider how you can leverage more of your time, talents, and treasure to be a blessing to others.
3. What Makes Your Heart Sing?
God has created us all with certain gifts - and when we use those gifts, it makes us come alive. I think each of us were created to use our gifts to not only celebrate how we were made, but also to point to the one who made them. Are you a great cook? How can you share that for God? Do you love to sing or make music? What would be a loving way to bring more of that forth in your life? Look at what you love and pray about sharing that with others. God wants us to use all of our gifts, no matter how small or great, in whatever ways possible, simple or elaborate. Consider how you can bring out more of what you love, to share as an offering of love.
What About You - Where Are You Seeing God at Work?
More than a humble brag, inside of us there is a place where we know how we are gifted. The most important part is to consider how to leverage that for God instead of only ourselves. It may be in little ways or big ways, but all of us are invited to join Him into a vibrant life of holy assignments.
How Can You Use More of Who You Are for the Goodness of God?
Not to see interruptions or random conversations as random, but more divine appointments
Wow, wouldn't this reframing change our perspective on every encounter.
This is so good, Cara. Yes, yes, God wants obedient hearts not titles and 'getting stuff done' for Him. Thanks for this grace-filled reminder.