What is God's call to you?

Finding your call in life can be a source of great anxiety. We put it up there knowing the will of God or learning our true purpose in life.

Part of the confusion comes from the fact that some people use these terms interchangeably, while others define them in specific ways. Things get even more confusing when we add the words vocation, ministry and career.

We can sort things out if we accept this basic definition of calling: "A calling is God's personal and individual invitation to perform the unique task he has for you."

It seems simple enough. But how do you know when God is calling you and is there a way you can be sure you are carrying out the task he has assigned you?

The first part of your call
Before you can specifically discover God's call for you, you must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus offers salvation to each person and wants to have an intimate friendship with each of his followers, but God reveals a call only to those who accept him as their Savior.

This may discourage many people, but Jesus himself said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except through me. " (John 14: 6, NIV)

Throughout your life, God's call to you will bring great challenges, often anguish and frustration. You can't do it alone. Only through the constant guidance and help of the Holy Ghost will you be able to carry out your mission appointed by God. A personal relationship with Jesus guarantees that the Holy Ghost will live in you, giving you power and direction.

Unless you are born again, you will guess what your call is. Rely on your wisdom and you will be wrong.

Your job is not your call
You may be surprised to learn that your job is not your call, and that's why. Many of us change jobs during our lives. We could also change careers. If you are part of a church-sponsored ministry, that ministry may also end. We will all withdraw one day. Your job is not your call, no matter how much it can allow you to serve other people.

Your job is a tool that helps you make your call. A mechanic may have tools that help him change a number of spark plugs, but if those tools break or are stolen, he gets another so he can get back to work. Your job may be closely involved in your call or it may not be. Sometimes all your job is to put food on the table, which gives you the freedom to make your call in a separate area.

We often use our job or career to measure our success. If we make a lot of money, we consider ourselves winners. But God doesn't care about money. He worries about how you are doing the task he assigned you.

While you are doing your part to advance the kingdom of heaven, you may be financially rich or poor. You may simply be ready to pay your bills, but God will give you everything you need to make your call.

Here's the important thing to remember: jobs and careers come and go. Your call, your mission named by God in life, remains with you until the moment you are called home to heaven.

How can you be sure of God's call?
Do you open your mailbox one day and find a mysterious letter with your call written on it? Is God's call spoken to you in a thunderous voice from heaven, which tells you exactly what to do? How do you find out? How can you be sure?

Whenever we want to hear from God; the method is the same: pray, read the Bible, meditate, talk to devoted friends and listen patiently.

God provides each of us with unique spiritual gifts to help us in our call. A good list is found in Romans 12: 6-8 (NIV):

“We have different gifts, according to the grace that is given to us. If a man's gift is prophesying, use it in proportion to his faith. If needed, let it serve; if he teaches, let him teach; if he is encouraging, let him encourage; if he is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let it rule diligently; if he shows mercy, let him do it cheerfully. "
We do not recognize our call overnight; rather, God gradually reveals it to us over the years. As we use our talents and gifts to serve others, we discover some types of works that seem right. They give us a deep sense of contentment and happiness. They feel so natural and good that we know this is what we had to do.

Sometimes we can put God's call into words, or it can be as simple as saying, "I feel led to help people."

Jesus said:

"Because also the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve ..." (Mark 10:45, NIV).
If you take this attitude, not only will you discover your call, but you will do it passionately for the rest of your life.