Over the years I have had individuals tell me, with a degree of embarrassment, that they still aren’t sure what their calling is or if they are in the right place. I find that the older a person is, the more honest and perceptive they are about their heart and life…and the more shame they feel about their uncertainty. Permit me to shed some light on our collective experiences.
Everybody revisits the questions of “who am I”, “what do I possess that I am to offer to the world” and “where is my place.” I do. I used to wonder why I circled back to this same question every year or so. Was I simply walking around a cul-de-sac instead of making progress up the road? Then I realized that I was asking the same question but from a different place. I was a different man from the last time I asked these questions – I had gained a little more experience, understanding, perspective, intimacy with God. My journey may be circular, but it is an upward spiral. There is nothing wrong in asking this question frequently and consistently – we should and we must.
2 Cor. 4:16 (NCV) So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day.
2 Cor. 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Everybody is beleaguered by doubt and condemnation which comes from thoughts like, “you should know this by now” or “just grow up and be content.” After all, we are up against the unholy trinity – the world, the flesh and the devil.
World: 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
Flesh: Gal. 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
Devil: Eph. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Nobody knows with complete clarity and certainty what their calling is. I know several people who are so precise and intentional about their life, and their contribution is so weighty, yet they also wrestle with the mystery of their calling. I have been studying “calling” for over a quarter of a century and yet there is still much more clarity I need and desire regarding my life – I’m still wondering.
1 Cor. 13:12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.
So, let’s not stop asking and seeking (Luke 11:9) for a deeper understanding of who we truly are and what our place in this story really is.
Gary
Hooray for upwardly spiraling journeys! Yes, calling is a mystery – but one well worth the digging. Hidden within the folds of our heart’s desires there lies a spiritual compass prodding us in the direction of a fulfilled life.
Thank you, Gary, for all your efforts to share with others about calling, our heart’s longings end.
I resonate with this perspective of personal calling. At our best we know and see in part. The reality is that appreciation and understanding of our calling begins now and will unfold throughout eternity in the new heavens and new earth. The depths of God call to the depths of the human being. Revelation with mystery is a good thing! There’s so much territory to explore in this area.
Thanks for ministering about personal calling. Appreciate your work …