I’ve never felt a gentle nudge. Do you whisper in your heart and say you have a life that is greater than your daily grind? I know I have. For years, I was a little confused and a little lost. It was like climbing a ladder just to realize that I was leaning against the wrong wall.
One night I was watching a story on TV about the purpose of a televangelist. It felt like he was talking directly to my soul. I was successful on secular standards, but was deeply unfulfilled. That’s when the question hits me: “Am I really living the life that God intended for me?”
Maybe you resonate with this feeling? You also feel that there is a unique call waiting to be discovered within you. If so, you are in the right place. Let’s explore this together by uncovering how to find your true calling and unleash God’s rich blessings by pursuing what you truly love.
Deciphering the Call: Beyond Job Title and Church Foot
So, what is this call everyone is talking about? Is it reserved for pastors, missionaries, or people from large ministries? It’s definitely not! I think our calling is much more personal and weave into the structure of our being.
Your calling is not necessarily a specific career or an epic public platform. It is to praise him for your God-given passion, talent and experience, and align your purpose in serving others in a way that only you can. It finds that sweet spot where your skills meet your true needs in the world and your spirit will soar while you do it. That’s what makes time seem to fly when you do it.
For me, writing was one of my callings. I loved writing stories and expressing myself through words, but that was not considered a calling. I saw it as a hobby, a creative outlet. But then I began to share my journey of faith online and the messages began to pour out. That’s when I realized, “Wow, God can actually use this.”
Unearth your hidden treasure: A soul-searching expedition
So why do you actually find this call? It starts with some honest self-reflection, an expedition to search for a soul into the depths of your heart.
Think about what will spark your soul. What are you naturally attracted to? What problems in the world will break your heart? What activities track time?
Here’s a little exercise: imagine tomorrow, waking up with no limits of resources and zero fear of failure. What do you devote your time to? What impact do you want to have on the world?
Don’t censor yourself – run your imagination into the wild. The answer may surprise you, and they may point you in the direction of your true calling.
The Power of Prayer: Let God write your story
Of course, finding your calling is not merely looking inwards. It is also about seeking God’s guidance through prayer. Ask him to reveal his purpose for your life and guide you on the path he has uniquely designed for you. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I declare the Lord because I know the plan I have for you, “A plan that will make you prosper, and that will not hurt you, but will give you hope and future.”
I remember praying for something that felt like eternity. I did not receive a booming voice from heaven or a crystal clear vision, but I experienced a gentle tweak towards certain occasions, with increased clarity and direction.
God often speaks to us through our intuition, our desires, and through our doors that open (or close) along the way. But we must be willing to listen to and be willing to trust his plans, even if it doesn’t line up with our preconceived notions.
From Passion to Delivery: Trust God to Supply Your Needs
So let’s talk to the elephants in the room, the financial aspect. How can you pursue your calling if you don’t provide a stable income?
This is where faith really comes into play. God will equip us and not offer our needs, and will not call us to anything. He may not reveal the entire roadmap in advance, but he promises to walk with us. Don’t forget Philippians 4:19.
I’m not going to sugar coat it: pursuing your calling requires sacrifice, hard work and willingness to go outside your comfort zone. There is a moment of doubt, economic uncertainty, and the temptation to give up. But that is when we must stick to our faith and trust God sees through us.
He doesn’t always provide the way we expect, but he does. Perhaps he will open the door to unexpected opportunities, connect you with a helpful mentor, or provide the resources you need at the right time.
Accept detours: when the path turns
Life rarely follows the plan. Sometimes we think we have found our calling, but only discover that God has something else for us.
I have experienced this firsthand. There was a time when I was convinced that I was called a full-time cinematography director. I poured my heart and soul into it, but I realized it wasn’t suitable for me. I felt like a failure, as if somehow I missed God’s calling.
But looking back, I realize that even those “detours” are part of God’s plan. At the time as a cinematographer, I met all kinds of people, witnessed and experienced all sorts of things. These experiences taught me valuable lessons, shaping my character and ultimately led me to where I am today.
Don’t be afraid to accept unexpected turns on the road. God can use our mistakes and even disappointments to get us closer to our true purpose.
Practical steps you can take today
Now, let’s be practical. Here are some practical steps you can go today to get closer to discover your calling:
1. Journaling: Dedicate 15-20 minutes to writing about your passions, interests and dreams. Ask yourself: What brings joy to me? What am I naturally good at? What problems do you want to solve?
2. Prayer: Spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal your purpose in life. Be specific about your requests and listen to his guidance.
3. Mentorship: Find someone who already lives a life that resonates with you. Ask them about their journeys, their challenges and their advice.
4. Experiment: Try something new! You can join classes, volunteer for a cause that cares, or start side projects. You never know what hidden talents and passions you discover.
5. Accept imperfection: never wait until all the answers are available or feel 100% ready. Even if it is incomplete, it takes a small step.
My last words: You are made by yourself for a purpose
Always remember this. God has created you with unique gifts, talents and experiences for a particular purpose. You are not wrong. You are not an accident. You are made horrifying and wonderfully (Ps. sal 139:14).
Don’t fear, doubt, or the expectations of others prevent you from pursuing your calling. Accept your passion, seek God’s guidance, and take bold steps to live the life he designed for you. The world needs what you have to offer.
Now it’s your turn! What are your biggest dreams and desires? What step will it take to get closer to your calling this week? Share your thoughts and encourage each other on this incredible journey!
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jacob Lund
Emmanuel Abimbora is a creative freelance writer, blogger and web designer. He is a respectable Christian with uncompromising faith from Ondo, Nigeria, West Africa. As a child’s lover, Emmanuel runs a small primary school in Arigidi, Nigeria.
