Ever wondered what your calling is? Your God-given purpose in life?  

If you’re like the majority, you’ve probably wrestled with questions concerning the call of God on your life; the one mission that is designed specifically for you.

So many of us struggle through seas of frustration; being tossed to and fro, as we try to identify our true calling. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone say, in utter exasperation, “I just wish I knew what my calling is!” It’s as if all of life’s accomplishments hang on discovering this one truth!

If I knew what my calling was…

…then I could make a difference.

…then I might be worth something.

…then I could really get moving.

…then I would be able to follow God.

…then life would be fulfilling.

 

The fact is every day presents itself with an opportunity to make a difference. We just need to pay attention.

Here are a few thoughts that might help you navigate through the confusion of discovering your true calling?

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I wouldn’t consider myself a huge football fan necessarily, but of all the sports, it is my favorite to watch.

I do, however, consider myself a huge Seahawks fan. Especially when we have a quarterback like Russell Wilson playing for us.

Russell Wilson is the NFL quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.

Well known for his christian faith, Russel is frequently seen on the field praying with his team, and glorifying God at the end of each game; win or lose.  

As protocol, Russell is often called upon to give a quick post-game interview, recapping the plays of the game. Both good and bad.

But there was one interview, in particular, that gave me all the *feels.*

In this particular interview, Russell was asked why he threw the last play to Jermaine Kearse. Kearse had clearly made several mistakes during the game, almost costing us the win.

Russell’s response to the interview question was epic!

He stated that he continued to throw the ball to Kearse throughout the game, because he knew what he was capable of. Despite the bad plays he had previously made, ( and I think we can all agree that there were some bad plays), Russell knew what Kearse could do! He believed in him.

Russell continued to say that right before the last play of the game, he looked out across the field, locked eyes with Kearse, pointed to him, and confidently said, “I’ll be looking for you. I’m going to keep coming back to you, and we’re going to find a way to win the game. You’re going to bring us home.”

And boy, did he!

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The Lord said to Elijah, “go and live near the city of Sidon. There is a widow there who will feed you. I have given her my instructions.” So he went. As he arrived at the gates of the city, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her for a cup of water. As she was on her way, he said :bring me a bite of bread too.” But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I haven’t a single piece of bread in the house, and I only have a handful of flour, and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jar. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I must die of starvation.” (1 Kings 17:8-12)

 

I find this story to be fascinating! Perhaps it is the idea of God using the unlikeliest of hero’s as a means of provision.

1 Kings 17:2-7 says “the Lord used the Ravens to provide Elijah with food, every morning and evening.”

RAVENS….brought him food! How very unlikely!

 

And there’s this widow.

Not just ANY widow, mind you, but a Sidonian woman, (Sidon was an enemy of Israel), living alone with her son; poor, and on the brink of starvation due to the drought.

And God uses her?!

 

Isn’t it just like God to use the unlikeliest of hero’s?

The lowliest of the low.

The undesirable.

The poor.

The ordinary.

The unexpected….to be our savior.

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Psalm 103:1-5

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me.

Bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits;

Who forgives all our iniquities,

Who heals all our diseases,

Who redeems our lives from the pit,

Who crowns us with steadfast love and mercy,

Who satisfies our desires with good things,

So that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

Isn’t it interesting that David seems to be talking to himself in this passage?

In fact, he is!

Why would David need to tell himself to bless the Lord?

It’s easy to sing God’s praises when life is good. When things are going as they should, praise and thanksgiving naturally spring up from within us, and flow out of us, without much thought.

But when faced with hardship; when pressed in on every side, it takes some serious effort to bring our praises to the Lord.

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Recently, I heard a pastor speak on the subject of solitude, and the importance of recognizing the difference between solitude and isolation. It was a good message; one that is near and dear to my heart.

I am the type of person who craves, requires, and thrives in solitude.

This may surprise some of you. After all, I am 95% extrovert. I love being around people. I enjoy meeting others and making new friends. Crowds don’t give me anxiety. In fact, I rather enjoy a good party!

But the remaining 5% of me is hardcore introvert. This is the part of me that processes my thoughts, feelings and emotions. The part of me that contemplates and rejuvenates, is done in solitude.

I don’t wear my heart on my sleeve. On the contrary, my heart is buried deep within, rarely rearing its head in front of others, but most assuredly always in solitude.

Believe it or not, I have actually been accused of being heartless and fake because I fail to show emotion. This is not because of pride. It is simply the way God made me.

For all of you introverts out there, let me encourage you by saying that there is nothing wrong with you. You’re not bad or weird or cold. You and I just process differently, and that is okay.

The danger for both extroverts and introverts alike is trying to maintain a healthy balance.

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