What is Your Calling?

My dad was, by profession, an FBI agent.  He was an accountant by training, so he used those skills to investigate “white collar crime,” or crime that was not considered dangerous and violent. 

Towards the end of his life, after hospice had been called in and he was on pain medication, he shared several stories of cases he had worked.  As it turns out, he did deal with dangerous crime and his efforts brought criminals to justice.  We just never knew because he kept it to himself.

I really admire the courage it took to do hard things and to deal with potentially dangerous criminals.  

As I look back and consider what he went through, he had a calling that he could have walked away from, considering it hazardous.  But he didn’t.  He kept many secrets throughout decades to protect our family.  

The cost of the calling did not cause him to walk away.  

Let that sink in. 

Do you know someone who bears a heavy weight?  My thoughts drift to a wife who was a tireless advocate for her husband while he had cancer; his passing set her on a path of grief.  I think of a foster parent who gravely takes the responsibility as a calling, constantly praying for wisdom through hot tears, but grateful for the journey and the chance to change the trajectory of a child’s life. My mind wanders to the missionary in the Ukraine whose life has come to include a season of war.

I feel confident that tears and prayers are the currency of these callings.

Jesus knew that his life would end in sacrifice, yet He carried the weight of this burden every day.  He begins to refer to his death during the Last Supper, in Matthew 26:28: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Later, verse 42 reads like this:

“He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 

The calling did not cause Jesus to walk away, even though it was the road to a painful, horrible, excruciating death.

Friend, what is your calling?  What do you feel led to do in the walk of your Christian life?  

We’re all called to the Great Commission – to go and tell.  Being bold is tough, especially if you are a people pleaser and seek affirmation from friends and family. I know because I am a recuperating people pleaser. 

Now, what is keeping you from your calling?  If you are pursuing your calling, go you!  That’s awesome!  Praise God for how He is working in your life!

My husband David and I were having a quiet time together when the questions we were considering led me to realize that I don’t want people to think I am a zealot.  The Holy Spirit impressed on me that I can be bold and that He will empower me. The next time we met with our church, the worship time was so good, and I decided that I am going to worship like I do at home.  I danced, my praise hands were all over the place, and I cried with the knowledge of how faithful and good God is.  If somebody thinks I am a zealot, then I’m just a zealot for the goodness and faithfulness of God!

I have a long way to go and my journey undoubtedly has lots of seasons of pruning, joy, trial and strength-building perseverance ahead.  But I don’t want to walk away from the calling because it costs too much.  My Saviour is way too good for that. 

Let’s pray:

Oh Jesus.  Holy Father. Redeemer of my Soul.  Let me be brave.  Let me be courageous when it’s not my first reaction.  Let me know your love surrounds me when my calling is hard and the tears come quickly.  Let me rely on your strength, help me fear not, help me not be dismayed, because your word says that you will hold me up with your righteous right hand.  Bring the peace of your love and let me know you’re near.  I praise your name because I am fearfully and wonderfully made and you sing songs over me. Bring me confidence to face this day.  In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

What is your calling?  How does it affect your life?  Write down what it is, and three ways that your life is affected by it. If you need help, ask your bestie for help.

Think about the idea that the cost of a calling can cause people to walk away.  What is the mindset of a person who walks away?  How can your life story make it hard to pay the cost of a hard calling?

What are the rewards of pursuing something hard?  Check out these verses about rewards.

Matthew 25:21; Colossians 3:23-24; Galatians 6:9; James 1:12; Hebrews 6:10; Luke 6:35