Before our main topic today, we would like to give you one last reminder about our Leviathan Story Writing Contest. The end of this month, the 30th of September, is the final entry date.
This word has a broad meaning and usage, but this study will focus on a calling of God, when a person knows Our Lord is guiding him in a specific path. A separate post addresses the sweeping call of God to salvation.
God gives wisdom to all who request, believing they will receive, but this is not a calling. A calling is personal guidance and direction, and God will grant us the wisdom we need to achieve our calling. Yes, there are several callings of God that apply to all Christians in general; calling to holiness (1Thessalonians 4:7), calling to suffer for living righteously (1 Peter 2:18-25), and calling unto liberty (Galatians 5:13). But the focus of this study is about specific callings. Romans 1:1 says Paul was called to be an Apostle. Ephesians 4:1-16 speaks of specific church ministries to which people are called. Hebrews 5:4 says Aaron was called to the office of High Priest. Ezekiel was called to be a watchman.
It doesn’t seem precisely accurate to say that we “feel” called, or “feel” led of the Spirit in our ministry. The word “feel” implies either physical touch or emotional effect. A calling of God is neither physical nor emotional, though it will have occasion to influence some emotions. It is sensed spiritually, rather than with the physical senses or emotions. It seems like the “sense of calling” could be categorized with the senses of peace, love, hope, and joy. These are sensed by the spirit, rather than the emotions, though they cause emotions, at times. All of these are facets of who you are, elements of your inner being.
Sometimes we have innate gifts, or talents, that will help us carry out our mission, our calling. Other times we will need to grow and change to become the right person for the job. So, the gift, itself, is not a calling. There will also be many occasions when our life’s work will require us to do tasks that are unsavoury, or for which we are ill equipped; almost the opposite of a gift. Our calling is not always our favourite thing to do, though we are driven to do it.
If I happen to see an opportunity arise, also known as an “open door,” that does not equate to a calling. Yes, God will do His part to make a way for me to fulfil His calling in my life, whether He opens a door, or helps me break through barriers. I cannot find my calling just because of some coincidence where it seems easy for me to proceed. On the contrary, taking such opportunities may be a distraction that hinders me from fulfilling my calling.
Another distraction can be a burden that you feel for a cause. Yes, you will be burdened for your calling. However, as a caring person, you would have many burdens for various concerns. You cannot pursue them all. Pray for wisdom and guidance to prioritize the time, touch, talent, and treasure, that you will devote to each of these ministries.
Each person has a deep need to have a purpose in life. God has a purpose for each of you who are reading this. From an earthly perspective, your purpose, or calling, may seem insignificantly small, or it may look overwhelmingly huge. We can be sure that neither of those extreme views are God’s perspective.
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