Understanding God's Call in Your Life
Dear Christian
Dear Christian,
Your question touches on an essential and often misunderstood topic: the call of God. If I understand you correctly, you’re asking about what it means to be called by God, especially how our calling relates to the gifts he gives us and how we’re to serve him faithfully in our everyday lives. Many believers wrestle with the idea that serving God must mean entering full-time ministry or taking on a formal role within the church. But the truth is that God calls each of us, uniquely and purposefully, to serve him in every sphere of life.
Called to Belong and Become
First and foremost, every Christian is called to belong to Christ. This is the inward call of the Gospel, the gracious work of God drawing us to himself through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us of this when he writes, “To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints” (Romans 1:7). Before we’re called to do anything, we’re called to be his - to know him, love him, and be transformed into the image of his Son.
This primary calling leads to our general call as Christians: to grow in Christlikeness, to increase in our knowledge of God, and to walk in holiness. Peter encourages us, saying, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:3-4). In other words, every believer is called to become more like Christ and to reflect his character in the world.
Called to Serve Where You Are
It’s a common misconception that only pastors, missionaries, or evangelists are truly called to serve God. But Scripture paints a much broader picture of Christian calling. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Whether you’re a teacher, a doctor, a stay-at-home parent, or a student, you’re called to glorify God where he’s placed you. Your workplace, neighborhood, and relationships are your mission field. God calls his people to shine his light in every sphere of life, showing his love, truth, and grace to a watching world.
Equipped for Every Good Work
The beauty of God’s calling is that he provides everything we need to fulfill it. Sometimes, he gives us gifts before the call, preparing us in advance for the tasks he has planned. Other times, as you rightly noted, he calls us to step out in faith, trusting him to supply the gifts, opportunities, and relationships we need along the way.
Consider Moses at the burning bush. When God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses protested that he lacked the ability to speak. Yet God reassured him, saying, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak” (Exodus 4:11-12). Like Moses, we can trust that God will equip us as we step out in obedience to his call.
Faithful in the Small Things
Sometimes, Christians overlook their current opportunities because they’re waiting for something “bigger” or more “spiritual.” But Jesus teaches us that faithfulness in the small things is essential. He said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). Whatever God has placed before you - whether it’s raising children, serving in your church, or simply loving your neighbor - do it with excellence and for his glory.
Remember, the work of God’s Kingdom isn’t measured by human standards. The seemingly small and unseen acts of faithfulness - praying for a friend, showing kindness to a coworker, or giving generously - are precious in God’s sight.
Called to Holiness and Glory
Finally, let’s not forget that every calling is ultimately a call to holiness and to the glory of God. Whatever our earthly tasks may be, our highest purpose is to glorify God by reflecting his character. Paul sums it up beautifully: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…And those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:29-30).
Beloved, whether your calling seems grand or humble by the world’s standards, it’s holy because it comes from God. Live each day with the assurance that he has placed you where you are for his purposes and glory. And as Gandalf might put it, “that is an encouraging thought.”
Key Principle
God’s call isn’t limited to full-time ministry but extends to every believer, equipping and enabling us to serve him faithfully in all areas of life.
Questions for Reflection
How can you glorify God in your current role, workplace, or stage of life?
Are there opportunities to serve or grow in faithfulness that you’ve overlooked because they seemed too small?
What steps of faith might God be calling you to take, trusting him to provide the gifts and resources you need?
Action Steps
Prayerfully reflect on your current roles and responsibilities, asking God to show you how you can serve him faithfully where you are.
Take one step of faith this week, whether it’s volunteering in your church, reaching out to someone in need, or pursuing an opportunity that stretches your trust in God’s provision.
I pray that’s helpful and hopeful.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Dale
Do you have a question about the Christian life? I invite you to share it with me. I will prayerfully respond with encouragement and guidance to help you in your walk with Christ. Your identity will remain anonymous, but your question could bless others who may be wrestling with the same issue. Together, let’s grow in grace and glorify God in all that we do.