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“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” - Ephesians 4:1-2
The other day I had lunch with two of my closest friends. We strive to get together at least once a month to check in, catch up, and pray for each other. It is a sweet time I look forward to and blesses me beyond words. Due to the holidays, busy schedules, and just life in general, our monthly lunch dates got put on hold for a while. So, when we finally met up, I was overjoyed to see them!
During our conversation, we discussed our calling and God’s will. Then after a sip of her tea, one of my friends looked me gently in the eye and asked, “How did you know writing was your calling?” I froze. I didn’t know what to say because in that moment, I didn’t really know, much less know how to answer her. Immediately I felt disqualified. My thoughts went all over the place, including down a dangerous rabbit hole of believing maybe I didn’t hear God correctly. Maybe I misunderstood my calling? After a few awkward moments of silence, I answered her this way.
“I am not sure if I am necessarily called to write, but I can assure you of this – when I pull up to my computer and place my fingers upon that keyboard, I am met with His words, not mine. He is with me. I feel Him, and it’s such a precious time to me.” I also added that when I am not writing, I miss it, and I miss that special bonding time with the Lord. Then I began to realize that writing isn’t about me at all. Because, in all honesty, I am not qualified. I don’t have the words. I am a mess, and my words fall short, but God somehow meets me. He always shows up – every single time. He leads and guides my words. He softens my heart. He shows me who He is.
Ephesians 4 describes that we are all called to live intentionally and on purpose as believers. When we meet with God in His Word, through prayer, and even as we seek counsel through fellow Christian friends, our calling becomes clear. The truth about our calling is that God will always prepare the way and plant desires in our hearts to glorify Him; all we have to do is submit.
We are also urged to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. We aren’t to question, step away in fear, wait until the right time, or wait until we feel qualified. All we are meant to do is lean in and trust.
Is God speaking to your heart? Do you feel a gentle (or maybe a very clear) nudge to do “that thing” your mind may be telling you that you can’t, but every fiber of your being is telling you to just go for it. Then get wrapped up in it and be a servant to the Lord. He is waiting for you to say, “yes!”
Let’s pray:
O Lord, my answer is yes! I love you and want to be obedient, so use me for Your will. I am truly humbled that You would even consider me worthy. In all things, big or small, help me hear Your voice and respond with a sincere heart. Reveal to me who You need me to serve, love, and reach.
Etch in my heart that with You, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize the difference between Your calling on my life and the plans I seek for my own will. Surround me with fellow Christians who will build me up and remind me to keep pursuing You and encourage me when I slip into doubt or fear and question Your calling for me. Also, grant me the wisdom and courage to provide my fellow friends with the support they need to serve You.
When I don’t feel cut out for the calling You so graciously placed in my life, please remind me that You designed me for a special purpose. When I fail to trust You and fear or anxiety grips my heart, help me submit and follow You with a sense of urgency.
Lord, I lay my heart at your feet today. I seek Your will, Your way, and Your calling. Grant me peace as I walk into the unknown but trust You with each step. I will wait patiently on You to lead and guide me. I am your humble and faithful servant.
Amen.