What is your calling in life? How do you know what it is? Is it something you should go searching for? Will it stay the same or change over time?
I remember as a high school and college student trying to figure out what I was put on this earth to do. I almost felt like I couldn’t pursue a degree or move on with my life until I knew what God had in store for my life. Did I have to “try out” different things to see if that fulfilled me and “felt” like it was the right direction for my life?
Well, as I graduated from college and began my adult life, I found out that the steps God was directing and guiding me, as far as my profession, were the things I had a deep desire for, in my heart. I learned to not only pay attention to the gifts I already possessed, but to be open for God to use me in new and exciting ways. I also learned to keep my eyes open for opportunities that I didn’t even know could be possible. I had to be open to receiving new gifts and callings on my life that God wanted to entrust to me. God has a way of using even the hard times of your life to grow you by pushing you to levels with Him you could never dream about or imagine as possibilities. God’s word tells us in Luke 16:10 that “one who is faithful in very little, is also faithful in much.”(ESV)
Over the past 28 years, I have had the privilege to work in several public school settings as an educator. Being a Christian, my desire has been for God to use me in my everyday job as an opportunity to pour into the lives of my students, their families and my colleagues. I have always felt that to be my “calling” in life. I’ve realized that God wants to use me wherever I work. God has given me many opportunities throughout my years as a teacher to lead devotions/prayers before school, pray with fellow teachers, sing and lead worship at staff gatherings, etc. Sometimes God may allow you to be in a position that may not be your dream job. The key is to not get discouraged and give up, but to try to find ways for Him to use you, even in the hard seasons. God sees the big picture and can use these situations to set you up later in life and prepare you for a sweeter season that is soon to come. Matthew 25:21 states, “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” (NIV)
Looking back over my life, I have seen God direct my path for the better, even when I thought it should go in another direction. I learned to be more sensitive to His direction over my own desires. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (NIV)
I encourage you today to allow God to be the ultimate navigator in your life. Trust Him and take your hands off the wheel. Allow Him to work in your life by obeying Him, the One who calls you and knows you by name.
As a 20 year old young woman, I became a minister’s wife the day I got married. I had lots to learn and had some wonderful mentors who gave me advice to encourage me in this new role I was taking on. Believe me, I needed all the help I could get! I knew there were big expectations that came with this role in my life. I was so thankful for the wisdom from others, but I also realized quickly that I learned the most through the experiences, good and bad, that God directed me through. After 32 years as a pastor’s wife now, I have learned that your capabilities continue to grow as you gain experience if you are willing to allow growth in all areas of life. There are so many things in life that no one can prepare you for or teach you. I have never regretted the experiences I’ve been through that have built perseverance and character to help build me into the person God intended me to be.
As you serve God in every area He places you in, remember that how you work is more important to God than any job you have. Colossians 3:23 is a scripture that I’ve leaned upon every day. It says,. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (NLT)
Your decision to serve and glorify God as you work today is more important than any job you’ll have tomorrow.
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