Know Your Calling

[This is part of the Finish What You Started Series]
Why do some people last in ministry, while others don’t? What separates them? Is it Resources? Giftedness? Anointing? In my experience, one big difference between those that last and those that don’t is this: They know their calling!

While many things contribute to our endurance in ministry, none may be as important as this. Think about it. How can we possibly finish a task if we aren’t even sure where or why it began? Before we can serve the Lord effectively, we must ask ourselves, “What is God Calling me to do?”

When You Know Your Calling

• You will know Who you are called to be
• You will know What you are called to do
• You will know Where you are called to do it

Many people quit ministry because they grow weary trying to serve in areas God has not called them to. This hurts a ministry in at least two ways. First, the ministry loses the person who quit due to burn out, second, they lose the person that should have been serving in that capacity but wasn’t because the job was getting done by someone else.

Knowing Where God has called you to be is equally important. The right ministry done in the wrong place will still lead to unnecessary hardships. When we operate in the ways we are called to, we find joy and strength. Remember, Jesus said His burden is light.

Three Reasons You Need To Know Your Calling

You Are Assured of God’s Guidance, Protection, and Provision

Can you imagine Joshua trying to lead the Israelites if he had not first heard from God? No matter what we set out to do in ministry, there will come a point when we have nothing to rely upon but the call of God. In Joshua 7:6-9, Joshua does this when he asks God to keep His promise to the Israelites, because if He doesn’t, then God’s reputation will be marred. At first this seems arrogant. But when you are confident that God called you, you can boldly ask for protection and provision as you do His will. This isn’t so easy when you don’t know your calling.

You Are Shielded Against the Attacks of Satan

Satan hates what you are doing so he seeks to stop you. One of his main tactics is discouragement. He repeatedly tells you you’re unfit for the job. To give up and go home. His lies can be so effective that even when you know your calling they can seem convincing. When you don’t know your calling, you play to his strengths. But when you do, the Holy Spirit will use it to continually assure you He chose you and sent you.

You Are Strengthened in Times of Trial

Ministry is not all peaches. Pastor Mike Macintosh has jokingly said “Ministry would be great if it weren’t for the people”! We all feel this at times. The people you love and invest in can be the ones that hurt you the most. It’s an excruciating experience. Jesus experienced it first hand. So will you and I. During these times you will be faced with the temptation to quit. When you know your calling, you gain another perspective, mainly that God is using these trials to refine your life, character, and ministry.

Get it in Writing

Before I left for Costa Rica in 2005, a close friend gave me some of the wisest counsel I’ve ever received. He challenged me to pray and ask the Lord to give me a verse that would confirm my calling. Why do this? Because when things get really tough, it becomes very easy to second guess what you are doing. When God confirms something to you through His Word it has greater impact upon your life. Then, when your emotions betray you, God’s word will stand like a monument, reminding you of God’s call.

While ministry is tough, it is also the greatest thing you can be a part of on this earth. But if you are going to finish what you started, it’s important to know your calling!

How about you? How has knowing or not knowing your calling impacted your life and ministry?