Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
There are two types of callings: a general calling for all followers of Christ and a specific calling for your life.
We are all called to be obedient, to witness to the world, to teach, to serve, to love our neighbor, found in the Great Commission. However, the way we do that may be different depending on our gifts, personality and environment.
Individually we receive specific calls to serve in ministry, to take a mission trip to Africa, to lead a Bible study at school, to run for political office in order to make positive change. Those calls are unique to you.
Some callings are permanent changes for our life. Some are temporary instructions to complete limited tasks within a specific time frame.
In the Bible, when God called Moses, he spoke directly to him. The prophets all heard God’s voice. Jesus called his disciples face-to-face. The call came loud and clear.
Today that call probably won’t come to you through an audible voice from the skies. When God has specific instructions for you he will let you know: through a song, a Bible verse, a sermon, a prayer, at a retreat, during a study. You will receive a very intense feeling or acknowledgment in your heart. You will know.
I believe your passion is the best guide to your calling. There’s a reason you enjoy certain things, places and people. You have to like your calling in order to get up every morning to face all the pressures and headaches that come with it.
If you have not heard a calling, don’t worry. It’s not time. Be prepared. Keep your ears open. You will know what you are supposed to do. God wants to tell you when the time is right. In the meantime, follow the general calling for your life.
Moses waited forty years in the desert to receive his. In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing and get ready to answer the phone.
