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Finding your calling is one of the most important parts of our Christian lives. Each of us has been created with special and unique talents, skills, and gifts. God has entrusted us with the ability and responsibility to use them for His glory. Sometimes, however, discovering our calling can be a daunting task. It requires discernment, faith, and patience.
In this post, I will provide a step-by-step guide for finding your calling as a Christian. In the following sections, you will find the explanation for each of the steps of the process–seeking God, examining your gifts and passions, considering others’ needs, being open to new opportunities, seeking counsel, taking action, and trusting in God’s timing.
Through these steps, you will be able to find your unique calling and fulfill God’s purpose for your life.
Finding Your Calling: Seek God First
As Christians, the first step for every decision should be to seek God. The journey to finding your calling is no different. Spend some time in prayer; ask God to show you His plan for your life. Read the Bible and pray the scriptures. Meditate on what God is saying to you through His Word. Ask some Christian friends or mentors to pray with/for you. They may also be able to offer guidance, but we will discuss that later.
Matthew 6:33
In Matthew 6:33 (NIV), Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When our relationship with God is a priority, everything else falls into place. This includes finding your calling.
Finding Your Calling: Examine Your Gifts and Passions
Each part of God’s creation has a special purpose. As Christians, we have received unique gifts and passions. Sometimes we pursue these as hobbies or careers. Sometimes, God uses them to direct us in finding our calling.
Take a little bit of time to think about and reflect upon the things you enjoy doing. What are some things that come naturally to you? Make a list (mentally or physically) of your talents, skills, and life experiences.
When you complete that list, make another one with your strengths and weaknesses.
Think about how you can use your talents, skills, experiences, strengths, and weaknesses for the glory of God.
Consider these questions:
What am I passionate about?
What activities do I enjoy doing?
What skills do I have?
What experiences have I had that could be useful?
What do others say I’m good at?
Finding Your Calling: Consider Others’ Needs
As we learn throughout our Christian walk, nothing is ever completely about us. It’s not about just what we want to do or what we are good at. Our Christian calling is also about serving others.
When you are finding your calling, consider the needs of others in the world around you. What problems or issues do you see that you feel a calling to address? How can your gifts and passions be used to serve others and make a positive impact?
Matthew 25:40
In Matthew 25:40 (NIV), Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Through serving others, we are serving Christ.
Finding Your Calling: Be Open to New Opportunities
When you are finding your calling, it may turn out to be something you did not expect. Be open to the new opportunities that may come your way. This is especially true if these opportunities don’t fit what you originally planned.
God may be leading you in a completely different direction to help you find your calling.
Proverbs 16:9
Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Trust and know that God has a plan for your life. Step out in faith and have the courage to know that God is leading you where He needs you to be.
Finding Your Calling: Seek Wise Counsel
As you are working through finding your calling, you should talk to trusted Christian friends, mentors, and pastors who know you and your situation well.
Share your thoughts about your calling and ask them to provide feedback from their points of view and from their time with God.
Proverbs 15:22
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
When you are finding your calling, you are not alone. Seek the help, guidance, and mentorship of those who have walked this path before you.
Finding Your Calling: Take Action
After completing the previous steps, you may/should have an idea of what your calling is. Now, it’s important to take action so that you can do what God has asked of you.
Start with something small. If you feel like God is calling you into pastoral ministry, don’t start your own church on the first day. Take steps toward the goal of your calling. It’s not a race to get there. God will provide the path and the timing; be patient.
When you are in God’s will and working in your true calling, God will open the doors that need to be opened.
James 2:17
In James 2:17 (NIV) the Bible says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
God will lead and guide your steps. Just have faith.
Finding Your Calling: Trust God’s Timing
Your calling may not be fulfilled overnight. In most cases, it will take hard work, time, patience, and dedication. Trust in God’s timing.
You can read more about trusting God’s timing and the benefits of it.
Know that God has a plan for your life. He is guiding your steps every inch of the way.
Isaiah 40:31
My favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
In the King James Version, it says “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
When we wait, we must have hope. So, the two of them can go together. However, we have to wait on God to be sure that we are in His perfect will in His timing.
Trust and believe that God knows when you need things. His timing is perfect. When you need the strength and endurance to fulfill your calling, God will provide.
Conclusion
Finding your calling as a Christian requires a few steps–seeking God, looking at your gifts and passions, considering others’ needs, opening yourself to new opportunities, seeking counsel, taking action, and trusting God’s timing.
Always remember that your calling is not only about yourself, but it is about what God needs you to do to serve others for His glory.
Believe that God has a plan for your life and your calling. When He is ready, in His perfect timing, He will guide you every step of the way to fulfill your calling.