Amanda BethSharing the Truths Behind the TRUTH

Sep 19th Monday’s Blog: Finding Your Calling

A woman asked me recently “How do you know what God’s will is for your life?” That is probably the number one question every Christian has. That was my number one question for many years. I often heard preachers say that God’s calling was something you would be drawn to. And it would be something you were empowered to do.

At the time I was a waitress. I knew God wanted me to be there, but I didn’t like it and I definitely wasn’t good at it. Throughout the years I tried many different things to seek out my calling in Christ, but nothing worked out. I eventually came to the conclusion that I had no gifts and no calling.

Despite the thought that I had no calling, I was determined to do the best with whatever I was doing. I thought maybe God would still use my life to reach someone. Therefore I was determined to live in integrity in my waitressing, in my marriage, in raising my children, and in everything I did.

Even though I wasn’t a good waitress I strived to be on time, do the best I could, and allow Jesus to shine through me. At home, I strived to be a good wife and allow my marriage to shine for others to see God working in my family. I strived to be a good role model for my kids in hope that they would follow Christ, not because I told them to, but because they would see Him working in our lives.

I strived to be honest in my everyday dealings. If the cashier at the store forgot to ring something up I would return it. If I made a promise to someone I would strive to fulfill it. If I couldn’t fulfill my promise I would apologize. If I borrowed something from someone I would return it. If I was in a quarrel with someone I would quickly apologize, even if I wasn’t at fault. If someone was gossiping I would try to say something nice about the person being talked about.

At times I thought I was being petty, but I knew deep in my heart God wanted me to live honestly in all my dealings. If by chance God had something bigger for me to do in the future, I had to be faithful with the little things first. Otherwise I wouldn’t be faithful with greater things.

Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities”

—Luke 16:10, NLT

Though I never did everything perfect, and I failed many times in my marriage, raising my children, and my everyday dealings, I still strived to do the best I could while relying on God to help me. I strongly believe God used those times as preparation for what I am doing now. I don’t believe I would have found my true calling and discovered my hidden gifts if I had kept them buried under dishonest dealings and lazy living. And I know I will not reach my full potential in Christ if I don’t continue striving to walk uprightly.

God has given you talents to do what He has called you to do. Instead of wasting time trying to find your calling, start being faithful where you are and God will bring your calling to you. I can look back and see every job I worked had a purpose to prepare me for God’s ultimate calling on my life. God was training me through those years, and still continues to.

So if you are miserable cleaning toilets today, remember to do it with joy knowing God is training you for something higher.

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

—2 Timothy 2:20-21

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**Prayer for the week**

Heavenly Father,

We praise You for using us to reach the lost. Help us to lovingly express truth in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly. Enfolded in love, help us to grow up in every way and in all things into Christ (Eph. 4:15, AMP). Lead us into Your will for our lives so we can bring glory to Your Name.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!

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*Come back next Monday as I share more of God’s Truths and the reasons behind the Truths.

*All Bible verses are taken from the NIV, unless otherwise noted.