As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
Why am I really here? What is my true purpose in life? Is this all there is, or did I miss something? If I missed it, then what do I do now? Is it too late? I’m not getting any younger…
Wasn’t I meant for something more than this?
These are the questions in the hearts of many believers today. They feel a sort of emptiness. A longing for deeper fulfillment. “Is this all there is?” It’s almost like they were created to do something, but they can’t quite put their finger on it.
Life does its best to shut that feeling down. We can’t figure out what it means. We thought we felt the drive to make a few changes, but maybe it was just a mid-life crisis, or some minor depression. But we’re fine now. Life is good the way it is.
If that’s true, then maybe you’re right. Maybe it was just an emotional blip and it’s time to get back to regular life… as fulfilling or unfulfilling as it may be. This is the path many choose to take.
On the other hand, maybe we’ve drowned out that longing for depth with other pursuits. Maybe it’s not really gone, it’s just waiting beneath the surface for the next quiet moment. Once we’re done with screen time, the pile of books we’re reading, and yet another episode of whatever Netflix series we’re onto right now… Whenever we happen to find ourselves undistracted…
Huh, there it is again. “Is this all there is? Wasn’t I meant for something more?”
Uncomfortable in the silence, will we jump back into familiar distraction? I sure hope not. The truth about that gnawing inner feeling is this… we were made for something more. We do have a calling and a greater purpose in this life. That voice we’re hearing… that inner pull we are feeling… that is the Holy Spirit of God tapping on our conscience.
My Son… My Daughter… I made you for more than this.
It’s time to grab hold of it. No matter your age or life situation, it’s never too late to start pursuing God’s calling on your life. And you can rest assured… every single person has one.
Everyone Has a Calling
Whether we know it or not, whether we feel it or not, God created every person on this planet with a specific vision, purpose, and calling in mind (Colossians 1:16, Proverbs 16:4). There is not one person who walks the earth today, nor any who have gone before, who the Lord did not infuse with a greatness unique unto themselves (Ephesians 2:10).
One is not more special to Him than another… God does not play favorites with His children (Romans 2:9-11)… but each one is His own special treasure (1 Peter 2:9). We are truly more valuable to the Lord than we know because of all He has done for us through Christ (Ephesians 2:4-9), and because of all He has created us to do (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
How Do We Find Our Calling?
The easiest way to find our calling is to ask God. We can pray for Him to help us find it, and for Him to lead us straight into it. Maybe we need to repent for going our own way… we all need repentance, so there’s no shame in that… and then we can recommit our ways to the Lord.
“Lord, I want to follow You. Please show me what You want me to do.”
While we are waiting in faith and following God’s leading, it’s important that we use what we have in our hands to serve Him and others. What do we already know how to do, and how can we put that into action?
If we can sing, or paint, or bake… or write, or sew, or hold babies… if we can build, or plant, or encourage others… we need to do it.
Do you sit well with others in the midst of their pain?
Are you able to clean and organize quickly and efficiently?
Can you make a pot of coffee, bake a dozen cookies, and invite the neighbors over for loving and lighthearted conversation?
Is this the way you show God’s love? Then now’s a great time to start!
Whatever you have in your hands… whatever you have at your disposal, use it to be a blessing to the Lord and to those around you. This is what we were born to do.
Our Calling is Found in His Word
Hebrews 13 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It’s like a beautiful checklist of how the Father wants us to live. We can fulfill our calling by living out God’s Word in our daily lives…
- Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. (v.1)
- Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (v.2)
- Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. (v.3a)
- Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. (v.3b)
- Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. (v.4)
- Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. (v.5)
- Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. (v.7)
- And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. (v.16)
- Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. (v.17)
The Bible gives us all the instruction we need for how to live a life of purpose that pleases God. All we have to do is decide to step into it.
As Long As Life Lasts
Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
Hebrews 6:11 NLT
The gifts of God within us must be fanned into flame on a regular basis, or they will grow cold… and then we will grow dull and indifferent to the things of God. That is not where we want to be! In order to keep from falling asleep spiritually, we must stir up our faith in God by using our gifts to serve others.
With everything that is going on in the world today, and with so many distractions constantly vying for our attention… it’s simple Biblical strategies like loving and serving others that will keep us awake and alert until the Lord returns.
And don’t worry, He will never leave us alone to figure it all out by ourselves. We can ask Him for His help and He will show us the way. He is loving, He is faithful, and He can be trusted.
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Hebrews 6:10-12 NLT
Broken & Sown 