Have You Found Your Calling?

How do we figure out what to do in life? What has God called each of us to do?

Maybe you’re young and just starting out. Or maybe you’ve had one or two (or more) careers, and you want to reinvent yourself for something bigger, better, or just different.

Rest assured you have a calling, and you can discover it! Why can I say that with confidence?

Because the Bible teaches it. Look at what the Apostle Paul teaches in Ephesians 2:10.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Our Heavenly Father created each one of us specifically for His purposes, for tasks and goals and achievements He planned for us to accomplish. And what creations we are!

Sometimes we look at the Grand Canyon, or notice the delicacy of a butterfly, or gaze at the Milky Way, and think, “Wow, God’s creation is awe-inspiring!” It is, but you know what? Humans are the pinnacle of His creation. YOU are the pinnacle of His creation.

Think about what David says to God in Psalm 139.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful” ((Psalm 139:13-14).

Not only that, David reinforces what Paul says. Your life has been planned out by your Creator.

“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16).

What does this all mean when it comes to your life’s work – your calling? If you’re pondering how to approach the answer to that question, I want you to do two things.

First, ask yourself, what would you honestly like to do if you could do anything in the world and knew you couldn’t fail? 

Dwell on that for a while. Think about it as you drive. Meditate on it after you turn out the lights at night. Talk about it with loved ones. Journal your thoughts, even if you’re not the type to write things down (I highly recommend it). Forget about the question of money, or current responsibilities, or family approval (or disapproval). Dig deep. What are your passions? What are your dreams?

The second thing I want you to do is, list a few things that you’re good at and really enjoy doing.

Doesn’t it make sense that if you’re designed by the Creator of the universe to do something, there’s a good chance that you actually are good at it? And when you do it, you enjoy it?

Some of us have this view of God with His arms crossed, suggesting that if something is hard or unpleasant – that must be the will of God. No, that is a warped view of God.

Of course, we need to be willing to do whatever God wants us to do. But when you’re in the center of God’s will – doing what He has designed you to do – you will feel His pleasure because you’re operating as He designed you to. You’re using the abilities, gifts, and desires He shaped in you! So what are you good at? What do you enjoy doing?

Calling is unique. It’s yours alone. It calls on your unique gifts. It calls on your unique desires. It gives you strength, and keeps you humble. And it can be discovered at any age.

This is true whether you’re 22 or 92. It’s never too early to think about your calling. And it’s never too late! You have been designed for something that only you can do. What is it?

To find out more about how to discover your calling, check out the series: Answering the Call.