How do I know what God is calling me to do? Melanie Redd

It’s a question I get asked all the time, especially with all that is going on in our world.

Whether through email, direct messages, in a phone call, or in person, people regularly pose these queries…

– How do I know what God is calling me to do?

– What does God want next with my life?

– What is my purpose now?

How do I know what God is calling me to do?

First, let’s set the stage.

BIBLE PASSAGE:

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

John 4

MEDITATION:

After Jesus told His disciples that He would soon be leaving them, He prayed.

He explained to them what would happen so they would not be surprised and experience turmoil at His departure.

He wanted them to understand in advance, so they would not be shocked at the events that were about to happen.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

We are kind of like the disciples, aren’t we?

When we are prepared in advance, we can usually cope with things a little better.

When we experience peace from Jesus, we can handle things even better.

It doesn’t mean that we would choose, or even like what is going to happen (or is happening), but we are given an unusual peace that helps us to manage through it.

This peace from the Lord shows the kind of love He has for His true followers and worshippers.

Back to the prayer of Jesus.

He told the Father that He had ‘brought Him glory’.

How? By ‘finishing the work’ God gave Him to do.

If we are followers of Christ, then we would have to assume that God gives each of us work to do as well.

If we are followers of Christ, then we would have to assume that God gives each of us work to do as well. Click To Tweet

Look what Paul said in his second letter to Timothy.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.

(2 Timothy 4:7)

He said he had ‘finished the race’, implying that he had completed the path God created for him.

Paul felt that he had ‘finished the work’ given to Him by the Lord.

Whenever we receive salvation from God, it is not the end of our journey, but the beginning. At the proper time, He will give each of us specific areas where He wants us to ‘work’ in order to bring Him glory.

It may not be an area of our choosing and it might take us out of our comfort zone.

However, if we are committed to following Him, we will step out on faith and confidence that whatever He asks us to do, He will equip us with what we need to be effective.

It may not be an area of our choosing and it might take us out of our comfort zone. Click To Tweet

It may require a change in our lifestyle and habits, but when we realize we are ‘bringing Him glory,’ we can experience a new level of fellowship with Him.

Not only that, but we will discover a new and worthy purpose for living!

So, how do I know what God is specifically calling me to do?

Knowing He has uniquely gifted you, equipped you, and created you with purpose, I’d like to suggest a few things you can do to better understand His calling.

First, surrender your life completely to Him.

Give Him everything.

Hold nothing back.

Pray the prayer of Jesus in Luke 22:42, “Not my will, but yours be done.”

Second, spend time in His Word daily.

Open the Bible and begin to read it, study it, reflect on it, and learn it.

If you aren’t sure where to start, you can begin reading one chapter in Proverbs.

For example, if today is the 26th day of the month. Read the 26th chapter in Proverbs.

Time in the Bible makes you wise.

It gives you clarity and understanding. I can’t always explain it, but I can assure you that God will speak to you through His Word.

Time in the Bible makes you wise. It gives you clarity and understanding. Click To Tweet

Third, take time to pray about your calling.

Prayer is simply talking to God.

It’s taking your cares to the Creator of this universe and talking them over with Him.

As you are seeking His will for your life, talk to Him. It may help to write down some of your thoughts and prayers in a journal.

If it helps, talk out loud.

Want more on prayer, you might enjoy this article that I wrote: “Can You Help Me to Understand How to Pray?“

Prayer is talking to God. It's taking your cares to the Creator of this universe and talking them over with Him. Click To Tweet

Fourth, take a spiritual gift test to understand your giftedness.

God has given you a gift. Do you know what it is?

To discover your gift, you can take a test to find out more.

Here’s one that I found online that is free. Spiritual Gift Test.

Fifth, talk to at least one trusted friend about your gifts and calling.

Often, other people can see things we just can’t see about our strengths and weaknesses.

Talk to a few trusted friends about your ideas, your gifts, and your calling.

Invite them to “speak” into your life and offer insights.

Often, other people can see things we just can't see about our strengths and weaknesses. Click To Tweet

Sixth, do all you know to do now.

While you are waiting on God to call you, use you, or direct you–do all that you know to do.

Do the next thing.

Follow and obey the Lord right where you are and with what you have.

Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Follow and obey the Lord right where you are and with what you have. Click To Tweet

A great example to follow…

Christine Caine is an author, speaker, and ministry leader who speaks to thousands of people each year all around the world.

She’s published numerous books and made a huge impact on the world of human trafficking.

However, her ministry beginnings were very ordinary.

In one of her books, she shares how (as a new believer) she cleaned out closets at her church.

She helped with basic needs.

Regularly, she just showed up and served – never dreaming that God would give her an international ministry.

And, that is what I would encourage you to do as well… show up and serve.

Get up.

Get out.

Step up.

Do all that you know to do.

Do everything God has given you to do today.

It may not seem like much.

But, you never know what God is preparing you for! You have no idea what is just around the corner or what God has planned next for your life!

In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

But, you never know what God is preparing you for! You have no idea what is just around the corner or what God has planned next for your life! Click To Tweet

Action to Know What God is Calling You to Do:

What work has God given you to complete?

What has He called you to do right now?

Has it taken you out of your comfort zone, or required a change in your habits and lifestyle?

Anytime we are expected or required to do something new and different, we can feel uncomfortable initially, but never forget that when the Lord is involved, you will get used to it, and you will be blessed.

Will you be able to say you have ‘finished the work’ when you see God?

Will you be able to say you have finished the work when you see God? Click To Tweet

Prayer to Know What God is Calling You to Do

“Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. Forgive me for overlooking the fact You want me to bring You glory on earth, by finishing whatever You want me to do.

Show me the work you want me to complete, and give me the courage and confidence to exercise my faith, by trusting that You will be with me, and provide me with what I need. Instill in me a desire to accept and diligently pursue Your desires for me while I live out my life on earth.

Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your earthly ministry.”

Want more encouragement?

Check out this video about discovering God’s will for your life…

About the Author:

Don has been teaching Bible classes for over 40 years and a Christian blogger for the last 7 years.

He has been married to Debbie for 50 years and has two children and seven grandchildren. He is overwhelmed and humbled daily by the Lord’s presence.

You can check out Don’s blog at https://utvolwoody.wordpress.com/

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How do I know what God is calling me to do? Melanie Redd