A common misperception about a calling is that it’s always going to be some big, life-changing event that impacts the entire world. Or, that we’re going to have to uproot our lives and move to another corner of the country.
Many of us also get tricked into thinking that our calling is going to be some time far off in the future. Maybe God has a plan for us and we’re not ready yet. But what if God’s calling is something you can step into right here, right now?
The truth is, God doesn’t need to relocate you or completely rid you of your character defects before he is able to use you. Some of the most powerful moments of obedience and following your calling can happen in everyday life:
Just look at the story of the widow’s offering in Mark 12 and Luke 21. Her donation seemed practically worthless from an earthly perspective, but Jesus saw her heart. And he chose to record her story in history.
Stop and really think about that. A person who was overlooked, poor and seemingly had nothing to offer God’s kingdom gave everything she had — and her story has impacted generation upon generation.
She was pursuing her calling right where she was. I’ve learned this lesson in my own life. I wrote two devotionals focused on mental health while I was in the biggest season of depression in my life. God used that season to help me relate to my readers and what they needed to hear.
Here are five ways you can pursue your calling right where you are.
1. Practice Obedience
Most of the time, we’re trusted with a small part of our calling before God reveals something bigger. I don’t think God does this to prove we’re worthy. Rather, he is trying to teach us how to trust him and show us whether we’re ready for our true calling yet. It’s not so much about the work he wants us to do in this world as much as it is about the work he wants to do in our lives.
As it says in Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” So practice integrity and obedience, not because it earns you anything or qualifies you, but because it pleases God and draws you closer to him and his calling and will for you.
2. Involve God
Jesus shouldn’t be at the top of our priority list. He should be our whole priority list! If we really want to see what God desires for us and align with his calling, he should be involved in every facet of our lives. Invite God into your routine, praying for wisdom and guidance with everything from meetings at work and parenting to other relationships and even driving to run errands. Worship constantly. Dive deep into your Bible reading. Seek the Holy Spirit’s direction. Learn to abide.
3. Speak Life
There aren’t enough encouraging voices in the world today. But one little comment (or even a smile) toward a stranger can make a world of difference in their lives. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to be different. So use your voice to encourage others. Send that encouraging text. Pray for that family member. Speak the truth over that friend who is voicing negativity and lies. Overwhelm evil with good and see how God uses it to spark hope in someone else.
4. Be Vulnerable
Following your calling means taking leadership where you are. One of the keys to being a good leader is being vulnerable. When you share your story and what God has done with your life — even if it’s messy and makes you feel exposed — you encourage others to do the same. You break down walls in others and they can begin to see that Jesus is real. Become a walking testimony to others that there is hope, redemption and purpose. Your story matters — and it’s part of God’s calling.
5. Live Intentionally
Ultimately, your calling is about God’s heart. What are you passionate about that he has instilled in your heart? What need in the world resonates with you most? Oftentimes, we can help others in the areas where we’ve struggled ourselves. So if the Holy Spirit is nudging you to serve somewhere, pray for someone or speak up, do it! Even if it scares you, God sees your willingness and can use whatever you say or do to lift someone else up. Whatever you do, don’t be passive, apathetic or give up on your calling. Do what you can, right now. Live intentionally!
You don’t have to wait for the “right time” to live out your calling. God is already at work and using you right where you are. Will you join him?
Daniel has been writing professionally for nearly 20 years, authoring HOPE for the Hurting Marriage and several other books about addictions, mental health issues and spiritual warfare. He, his wife and two children live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
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