What Does It Really Mean to be Called?

In Christian circles, we often talk about “being called.”

We say things like, “I feel called to do this,” or “God is calling me to do that.”

But what does it really mean to be “called?” And how do you know if you’re actually following your calling? Contrary to popular belief, a calling isn’t just for pastors and missionaries. It’s for all of us.

Jesus said in Mark 16:15 to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” That’s a calling for all Christians right there. But the Lord also has a calling for us as individuals.

Just think, before we were even formed in our mother’s womb, God knew us and had a plan for us (Jeremiah 1:5). We were all uniquely created to play a role in God’s grand story. Could he do everything himself if he wanted to? Of course. But he chooses to involve us instead.

Even after you’re saved, it can be years — even decades — before you realize your purpose. 

I’m an example of this. I had no idea what God wanted me to do for the first 34 years of my life. Even though I had accepted Jesus into my heart at the age of seven and was active in the church throughout my teen years, I didn’t know what God was calling me to do. It wasn’t until after I went through a decade-long battle with alcoholism that I realized God wanted me to help others in the areas where he’s helped me.

Specifically, he showed me how to encourage others struggling with addictions and mental health issues. But he also opened my eyes to just how big of a calling my family really was. And that perspective changed everything.

Let’s dive deeper into what calling is (and isn’t) and what following your calling really looks like.

What Is a Calling?

Calling is about more than your career. It’s about relationship. It’s about trust. It’s about surrender. It’s about loving God and being loved. It’s about obedience. It’s both complex and simple at the same time. But if there’s one thing about a calling, it’s that it’s easier to identify when we’re walking close with God.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” (John 15:16)

Calling is purpose, direction and trust — all rolled into one. It’s always going to have a bit of mystery and uncertainty associated with it, but this tests and strengthens our faith.

What if I Don’t Think I’m Ready?

Calling looks different for each person, but it often begins with the ordinary, small things.

“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.” (Luke 16:10)

Moses was tending sheep when God called him. David was delivering lunch to his brothers. Mary was a young girl, likely doing household chores. Gideon was the weakest one in his whole tribe! But God had a plan for each of them, and choosing the lowly and unqualified is part of his pattern. He uses those who the world least expects.

God will never give you more than you can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). But he does want you to grow. And it often starts by giving you responsibility over smaller things before bigger plans are revealed.

What Following Your Calling Looks Like

In the end, your calling isn’t about building a platform or fulfilling your dreams. It’s about loving God and loving others. It’s about surrendering your life to Jesus. It’s about joining his story, not writing your own. When you can have this mindset, it’s much easier to walk the path God has for you in confidence.

So, what does following your calling look like? Here are some examples:

• It’s the single mother who provides for her children and takes them to church, despite being overwhelmed with life.
  
  
• It’s the addict who never gives up and keeps pursuing God, despite failures, relapses and everything in him telling him to give up.
  
  
• It’s the widow who prays faithfully in her room day after day, with God being the only one who sees her do it.
  
  
• It’s the person struggling with finances who blesses the homeless anyway, giving them time, attention and whatever money they can.
  
  
• It’s sharing the Gospel with someone you don’t know and being vulnerable about what God has done in your life.

Everyone has a calling. If you're struggling with discerning yours, start with the basics: read God’s Word, pray and worship him. He’s not hiding anything from you. He’s already at work in you. Listen. Follow. Trust. Because you are called.