Clarify Your Calling – Week 1
I was a little girl when I first heard God call me by name. It wasn’t an audible voice, but it was a heart thumping conviction that consumed my mind until I had to kneel and confess my need for a Savior.
No matter the age, when God calls His child, it’s a unique experience for the one who is called. I can’t tell you exactly how it happened, or precisely how it felt. I can’t describe the words that entered my mind or the way I was compelled to surrender. But I can tell you this – Jesus called me.
Throughout my life I’ve had various “lump in my throat” moments when I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me. In middle school I remember kneeling down after a chapel service in my Christian School. God spoke to me, and in that moment I knew my life’s purpose was to serve God with all my heart through church ministry.
In high school, I travelled on mission trips and heard God tell me to spread the gospel with all my might and strength.
In college, I heard God tell me to wait on His perfect timing and teach my heart out to the children He would place in my classroom.
As a young wife, I listened as God spoke words of love into my new role as a help meet and friend.
When I became a mother, I embraced the call of God on my life to love and nurture the gift of life God placed into my arms.
And over the years I’ve heard God tell me sit, go, talk, be quiet, hold on, rest, love, show compassion, stop, learn, grow, step, wait, calm, be, encourage…
There are so many calls I cannot express every word. I wish I could tell you I’ve leaped at every call and acted quickly in obedience, but I haven’t. There have been long nights when I wrestled with God. I’ve told God every reason why I shouldn’t be the one to do what He has said. I’ve given excuses. I’ve let others take the lead in the name of spirituality even when I felt God’s conviction within my heart. I’ve stepped in when I thought I knew best and taken control of things that God never told me to do. Oh, how I miss it sometimes.
But God is gracious and merciful. And even when I make a mess of the calling He imparts, He uses my human imperfection to refine me and works through the mess in spite of me.
God is calling each of His children. He is calling you.
I don’t know what you feel when God speaks to your heart, but for me it’s heart-thumping, soul-gripping, and mind-boggling truth. Often I hear His voice through His Word, through the silence, through the innocence of a child, or the words of a teacher. However He does it, He speaks. He’s alive. He’s real and He is calling us, every single one.
So what is God saying to you? Is He calling you?
For the next few weeks, we will discuss how to “Clarify Your Calling”. Mine won’t be like yours, and yours won’t be like mine. But if you’re thinking you might be called, you probably are. It might be to tenderly love a child, to honestly listen to a spouse, or to flip a country upside down with the gospel of Jesus, but no matter what it is, it is holy and it is good. God’s call is confident.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6(KJV)
Love & Blessings,
Micah
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Flannery O’Connor wrote about the South as being “God haunted,” and although I didn’t grow up in the South, I remember my childhood that way. It’s such a precious thing to know that God has His eye on you even when you’re not looking back, and I see that His work in you began at a young age too.
So happy to read your story here.
Michele, it’s so interesting to hear children talk about God. I love the beautiful moments I can remember and I look for moments in the lives of little ones around me. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” And I’m so thankful for that! God speaks into listening hearts. As always, Michele, I love the insight you bring to the table. Have a great week, friend!
Thanks for your hospitality! I am always blessed when I visit your writing home.
What an interesting series to begin! I do think it’s important to listen for the feeling/touch/words that your Higher Power bestows upon you. I know, I find that when I listen, pay attention, and follow things usually turn out so much better! :)
God’s power is above any other. It’s not a perfect life, but it is powerful.
Looking forward with interest to the rest of this series!
Thank you, Margaret. I would love to hear your insight as we go through this series.
I’m looking forward to your series! Most of the time we focus on what we “do” in regards to calling, but I believe that God is first and foremost calling us to be with Him and surrender to a transformation of our hearts, souls, and minds. Thanks for writing today Micah! Visiting from Mommy Moments.
Angela, you summed it up beautifully! So glad you’re here today!
So timely for me. I’ll be back, Micah! Excited about this series : )
Yay, I can’t wait! I would love to hear your thoughts throughout! Have a great week!
Powerful introduction to the series.
I can’t wait for you to unpack!
God bless
Thank you!
Well said Micah. I know the call too and I think every week I have a moment of, “What am I doing again?” But I know God is faithful and He makes no mistakes. I am grateful to be connected to women just like you who are doing their best to follow God wtih such a vulnerable and public ministry. May we lean in to Him for direction and the next step we should take. Be blessed! – Kia
Kia! I’m so happy to hear from you, girl! It’s been too long! Your ministry is so needed and oh how I ask myself the same question over and over. I’m so thankful God is patient with me. He constantly corrects and re-directs. Leaning into Him with you! Have a great week!
Micah, loved this post. It’s so good to look back on the ways God has called us. He doesn’t always call us in the same way. Sometimes, I’ve heard His voice clearly. Other times, it’s been more through a prompting on my heart.
I loved what you said about God’s grace and mercy when we miss it. I’ve missed/avoided His prompting a few times in my life. One time I will always regret was when He gave me a wide open door to share His gospel with a hurting young woman. I was too intimidated and worried about “self” to obey His prompting. I hope (I’m guessing) God brought someone else along to minister to her, but that was a blessing I missed.
Great post!
Oh how your words pricked my heart. I’ve been there too. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Hey Neighbor … yes, those calls, sometimes loud and clear, and sometimes soft whispers, define our spiritual journey, don’t they … those milestones, cornerstones, turning points. How good when we can look back and remember where and when …
I love those loud and clear ones! But so often it’s the soft whispers when I have to learn to step in faith that really teach me so much about who God is.
“However He does it, He speaks. He’s alive. He’s real and He is calling us, every single one.” Amen, Micah! Love this post. So thankful we have a Father who pursues His children and calls after us to fulfill His unique purpose for our lives. I’m excited to see how this series unfolds! XOXO
Thank you, Lauren! Would love you thoughts throughout! Xoxo
Can’t wait to see how God speaks to me through you!
My youngest children start Kindergarten this fall and I’m looking forward to some time away next week to reflect over the past five years and listen for God’s calling for this fall. Good to see you at the link-up, Micah.
Great post! There have been times when God’s call has been loud and clear, but right now there’s something I think God might be calling me to but I’m not sure. I’m definitely looking for clarity so look forward to reading more in your series.
Clarity. Isn’t that what we all want. I pray you will know the way as God directs your steps! I would love your insight as we continue this series!
Isn’t it beautiful that our callings are as diverse as the people we are. Yet, it’s the same God who calls us; the same God who creates us; the same God who loves us unto the fulfillment of our purpose.
I’m excited to continue this journey with you, Micah!
Thanks for diving into this topic with an open heart and a desire to see others living out their God-given purpose.
Blessings to you, dear friend.
Yes! Leigh Ellen, I love that each of our callings is unique. It makes our relationship with Jesus so much more intimate when we realize He uniquely speaks to each of us. Thank you for reading and sharing your heart!