Two weeks ago I attended worship service at the church I’ve been attending and on staff with for the past 10 years. It was to be my last worship service with this group of believers before moving over to my new job and my new church.

I felt peace about the move. I sought God’s guidance. I spoke with wise Christian women about the move. I knew it would be the right move for me.

But in the service that morning, the teaching pastor spoke to me personally. I know his sermon was written specifically for me. It was God’s way of saying, “Yes my child, this is my plan for you.”

The message was titled, “Calling” and in the midst of Ramin’s words, I found a surge of confidence to take on this enormous job. So today, I want to share the main points of this message and see if you might find encouragement today. If you’d like to listen this message (and I would encourage you to do so), you can click here.

1. Every life has a calling

Paul knew his calling was to be a teacher of the law. But Jesus had other plans for Paul. Take a look at Paul’s words from Galatians 1:13-17 (NIV).

“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately to Arabia and later returned to Damascus.”

Paul suddenly received a new calling and he followed it. All the way to Arabia.

I didn’t have to go to Arabia or the far reaches of my world…I only had to cross town for my new calling. I consider myself blessed.

2. Every calling is a journey

Paul spoke of his journey in Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV). “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

We are all on a journey. Don’t look back. Keep moving forward. The goal is ahead of you. Reach for it. Allow God to lead you.

3. Every journey needs a guide

This journey is filled with joy, but there will be struggles along the way. You will get scrapes and bruises. Just keep looking to the Guide. The One who knows the Way. He will lead you to your journey’s end. Heaven.

Through this message, Ramin shared a few more passages of Scripture. I’m listing them here for you to read as well.

Colossians 1:24-29 (emphasis on verse 29)

2 Corinthians 10:12-13

Acts 20:22-24

And then there is this little gem in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) that is such an encouragement to me and I pray it is to you. “However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’”

God has beautiful plans for those who love Him and are willing to follow His calling. And according to this passage, it will be more than we could have imagined.

For me, it’s working with Shan and being his executive assistant. God has prepared me through my life for this moment. For this time. For this job. And I am jumping in wholeheartedly to see what He is going to do with this ministry.

Maybe you are struggling today with what it is God has prepared for you. Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it takes a while for it all to fall into place. But know that our heavenly Father is a loving God who wants what’s best for you. He’s working it all out for you. And in His time, He will reveal it to you.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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