Anyone Know Your Calling?

[Jda016]

I was in a theater when I first saw it, and tears streamed down my face. The Holy Spirit wouldn't leave the theater long enough for me to breathe. I felt miserable. It was weighty. It wasn't addressing any earthly things but matters of eternal significance and God's Kingdom; when such things enter our atmosphere, they can be weighty and not very comforting to our flesh.

It's a good thing you distinguished between teaching quietly and preaching before people. And yes, sometimes we aren't meant to know 'what our calling is called' so the call of the calling doesn't get in the way so to speak. And I'm glad you were able to hear the Lord say not to worry about the masses but to attend to the first, little, and least of things first. That's where He goes looking for shepherds-- on the backside of the desert. Everything has a season. It's important to learn to love the things that are yours (things God has given to you) and distinguish them from the things that are His (your gifts and talents and abilities as used for God's glory, your ministry, your calling, your purpose, your identity, and everything that is meant to glorify God in your life: all those things belong to God, and the rest are yours). If you can learn to love the things that are yours, you will not only have found 'the secret of happiness' (not coveting anything that isn't yours) but will have captured God's attention: "He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following ewes that had young He brought him, to shepherd Jacob His people" (Ps. 78:70-71).

Thank you for taking the time to respond and thank you for the encouragement given! =)

I really appreciate it Allin!

 

[Hungry]

Always important also to check all things. When God reveals things, He often reveals them individually but also corporately. When we get things individually, it's important to keep checking with God and others if they are available. This is because sometimes things change: God may tell us one thing and then it changes perhaps just slightly. If we are not checking, we won't know. Martial Law and worse are planned for the U.S. and across the world (worse things, in my opinion, are already happening here in these Western nations especially but not above surface and certainly not making the news); but it's important to be linked across with others always (or/and to keep checking with God as to procedure) in order to keep good balance at all times.

Yes, I'm also aware that there is much going on that all seems surreal. It's really hard to figure out what's going down and when but I think we need to be ready for anything, and essentially that's my plan.

 

[KohenMatt]

It's a blessing to have your priorities in order, and what a blessing to be working with the government (of course, that's not necessarily how you feel). Some places boast such a great darkness that the Lord's light can't enter; those are great places to work. But God has so many people in areas where we are weak and not strong to teach us to depend on Him, so I'd be surprised if your work makes you feel alive and fulfilled.

Actually, I feel blessed and excited to go to work everyday, because I know this is where God has me financially and spiritually, and I'd rather be there than anywhere else.

Plus, I love my job from a career perspective.

 

[Grandpa]

I would say a large part of it is what you're already doing. I can think of very few things that would be more "mighty in the Lord" than being that anchor for your family that you already are.

Thanks Matt.

I sometimes forget that what we view as big things the Lord views as small things. And what we view as small things the Lord views as big things.

I keep forgetting that Giant is already slain. I keep wanting to resurrect it so I can kill it all over again. I'm dumb sometimes...

 

[Allin]

I believe we all have the same calling to adore, worship, exalt, obey, share our testimonies, help the poor, encourage the broken hearted and spread the good news about Jesus Christ. we will do that through our gifts given to us by God.

And that's the summary of the whole thing.

 

[Allin]

Yes Allin, the thread is under "Christian yound adults forum" and the title is, "God created you for a specific purpose, lets find yours."

I believe there is a difference between calling and purpose. Technically we are all "called to love and serve the Lord"

Purpose however is more specific than that. it is Christian vocation of community service. Although we all can experience the Love of Christ however it doesn't change the fact that there are those who physically suffer. This is where our "purpose" comes forward to alleviate the pain of those who are without. To be the Body of Christ who walk the Earth doing His will.

Those who discover their purpose in life live a more fulfilling life because the get to experience themselves as a vehicle used by the Lord to "raise up" the poor and helpless.

You said it well on that thread: http://christianchat.com/christian-...ted-you-specific-purpose-lets-find-yours.html.

I really like where you said, "He didn't design us to serve Him in a way that is not fun and difficult."Yes, He 'calls' us to what He has given us tools for (or in eternity past, He gives the tools and calls us at the same time).

 

[Allin]

Thank you for taking the time to respond and thank you for the encouragement given! =)

I really appreciate it Allin!

Yep. You give what you have.

 

[KohenMatt]

Thanks Matt.

I sometimes forget that what we view as big things the Lord views as small things. And what we view as small things the Lord views as big things.

I keep forgetting that Giant is already slain. I keep wanting to resurrect it so I can kill it all over again. I'm dumb sometimes...

We all can be.

 

[Allin]

Yes, I'm also aware that there is much going on that all seems surreal. It's really hard to figure out what's going down and when but I think we need to be ready for anything, and essentially that's my plan.

While being aware of the macrocosm, each person still has their microcosmic view and approach which is normal and good. If for you it's preparing for the physical things that are coming, then by all means. Some people who didn't prepare will need those who did.

 

[Allin]

Actually, I feel blessed and excited to go to work everyday, because I know this is where God has me financially and spiritually, and I'd rather be there than anywhere else.

Plus, I love my job from a career perspective.

Perfect. You're in a good place overall then.

 

[MyPottersClay]

Yes Allin, that thread really hasn't caught on the way I'd hoped. I think a lot of Christians wouldn't have fallen away from the Lord if they would have discovered their purpose. Think about it this way, what better motivator than seeing the results of your walk in Christ! Results drive passion, passion drives education, education drives efficiency, efficiency drives better results. That is the "drive" of someone and a purpose filled life.

As i stated before there is a difference between calling and purpose (other terms are used and sometimes interchanged but ill use these two for illustration purposes.)

Think of calling as "the life"
Think of purpose as "the journey"

Anyway i as have others found theirs and hope the thread could make someone self aware of their passions and skills and seek to apply them for the Glory of the One who gifted them to him/her

 

[Allin]

Yes Allin, that thread really hasn't caught on the way I'd hoped. I think a lot of Christians wouldn't have fallen away from the Lord if they would have discovered their purpose. Think about it this way, what better motivator than seeing the results of your walk in Christ! Results drive passion, passion drives education, education drives efficiency, efficiency drives better results. That is the "drive" of someone and a purpose filled life.

As i stated before there is a difference between calling and purpose (other terms are used and sometimes interchanged but ill use these two for illustration purposes.)

Think of calling as "the life"
Think of purpose as "the journey"

Anyway i as have others found theirs and hope the thread could make someone self aware of their passions and skills and seek to apply them for the Glory of the One who gifted them to him/her

Most people aren't interested; there are lots of things that compete, and living for self is much easier, sometimes making it easier to talk about the Bible and remain a spectator. There also are 'strongmen' that hold many Christians in captivity, and fear is pretty much the foremost one. There is usually little forward progress or success until hindrances are seen, acknowledged, and moved out of the way; so, solution (change) usually begins with finding the problems and addressing them first-- like pulling up invasive weeds before expecting your garden to flourish.

 

[Yet]

My calling is to shut down churches and set the captives free.

 

[Hoffco]

The big problem is, we have lost the meanings of God's words. "Calling" is first, salvation. God powerfully calls sinners to salvation,"called to be saints," 1Cor.1:2 "the holy calling" to salvation. Our thread .The book of Romans, is bring out these lost meanings of God's words. the "purpose" of God is the total perspective of salvation God has planned in eternity past. Rom.8: 29-30. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[JoyfulFleur]

Interesting thread!

How does one know when a calling is of God?

 

[Hoffco]

Yet, I agree with you , tearing down dead churches, (organizations who think they are a part of the Church of God.) to destroy their bad witness is a good calling. I have helped rid the country of 2 dead churches and get rid of their buildings, sold or demolished. One is a home now. This is part of God's calling on my life. To turn a church building into a useful purpose is a worthy cause, the steeple is a testimony to God"s once using it as a meeting place for God's witness to the world. New England is full of old churches ,some need to be destroyed and some preserved as beautiful samples of yesterdays story for the future to follow. Love to all, Hoffco

 

[MyPottersClay]

Interesting thread!

How does one know when a calling is of God?

Ill suppose when you say "calling" you are referring to what I call "purpose". (they term is of no importance, only state to assure we speak of same definition.

I'll assume you are asking if what you feel like He is calling you to do is of Him. if, in fact it is what He design you to do?

As I mention in the other thread, it is no accident that there is something that you love to do that we all say "I wish I could do this for a living". No ma'am. that is God given. This passion is a Joy that he ingrained in you in your aid to "desire to do His Will.

Visualize in front of you is a table and on it is:

a toolbox with your skills

another box with full of resources

a rolodex of Christian contacts.

At first look (as many Christians see them) the stuff just looks things to have around but really doesn't serve any purpose. This is how many Christians miss out on one of the greatest experiences about being alive.

Now, look again at that table. this time take that passion that is in you and put it on the table with the other items. That passion now adds a different dynamic to just random items. What you now see is the opportunity to change and impact lives just as Jesus would do if were to become a mortal man walking as we are.

If you are interested in the thread that gives specific details to assist you in jogging your inner self go to the thread that Allin has linked.

 

[Allin]

My calling is to shut down churches and set the captives free.

Some captives would rather kill you than be free to be honest. You should do a google search on traits of the religious (anti-Christ) spirit, the main opposition in the past and now to the genuine work of God. Well, here's one that uses Jesus' eight 'woes' to expound on the main characteristics (inward motivations translating to outward shows) of the religious spirit (which is basically a mindset that pretends to live for God but opposes those who want to, showing that it is the opposite of what it claims to be): Stopping the Religious Spirit, witchcraft spirits, Jezebel spirit.

I think the one verse that best explains the work and look of this mindset is this one: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for you neither go in yourselves, neither do you allow them that are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:13). If I have 'Christianity' and do it my way, I will naturally dislike those who want to do it God's way, because they make me look bad. This is what happened with King Saul vs. David and on down through the ages; it never changes. While you're looking for captives to set free, you better make sure they want to be free before you extend your hand... or you may not get it back!

 

[Allin]

The big problem is, we have lost the meanings of God's words. "Calling" is first, salvation. God powerfully calls sinners to salvation,"called to be saints," 1Cor.1:2 "the holy calling" to salvation. Our thread .The book of Romans, is bring out these lost meanings of God's words. the "purpose" of God is the total perspective of salvation God has planned in eternity past. Rom.8: 29-30. Love to all, Hoffco

We've re-defined a lot of words for convenience sake. Almost every part of this thing needs re-hauling.

 

[Allin]

Interesting thread!

How does one know when a calling is of God?

That's a good question. You usually need someone who is older or more mature to teach you those kinds of things-- what God is calling you to and how to recognize His voice, because though we rarely hear, He does speak often (Job 33:14). In Samuel 3, when Samuel was little, God began to speak to him by literally calling him by name. Samuel had no idea that God was calling him (he thought it was Eli), a very good example of where many people are today: God is calling them, but no one is there to tell them that is what is happening. Samuel, however, had an older 'Christian' (Eli) available who, though disobedient to God, at least had lived long enough to know when God is calling someone. After God had called Samuel three times and Samuel had gone to Eli all three times thinking that it was Eli calling him, Eli recognized that it was God who was calling Samuel and told him how to respond and receive the calling or hear from God. When Samuel heard God call him the fourth time, he followed Eli's advice, and sure enough God was able to speak to him about his calling beginning with the first thing he was being called to do (which was to give Eli a message from God).

When there is no older or more experienced Christian in your life, there will naturally be a lot that remains unexplained, and it's not uncommon to miss God's calling for having no one to tell you what it looks like. Some callings come through prophetic words spoken over you; but it usually will take at least one older or more experienced Christian to help you understand it and respond correctly to it. If you don't have anyone like that in your life, then you can ask God to send such a person but to, in the meanwhile, show you what His calling is for you. Until He provides someone to explain things to you, He can do it in the meantime.