Walking in Your Calling

You were created for a purpose, uniquely designed by God to fulfill a role in His Kingdom that no one else can. The spiritual gifts you’ve discovered are not random—they’re divinely appointed tools to help you walk confidently in your calling. In this lesson, we’ll explore how to discern and embrace your calling, overcome obstacles, and live a life that glorifies God while impacting others.

Key Verse:
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." — Ephesians 2:10

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will:

  1. Understand how their gifts and passions align with their God-given calling.
  2. Learn practical steps to discern their calling.
  3. Be equipped to overcome challenges that hinder them from walking in their calling.
  4. Feel inspired to live boldly and faithfully as God’s ambassadors in the world.

Lesson Content

1. Understanding Your Calling

Key Points:

  • Your calling is God’s invitation to partner with Him in fulfilling His purpose for the world.
  • It’s not just about what you do—it’s about who you are in Christ and how you reflect His love and truth.
  • God’s calling is rooted in His plan for your life, encompassing your gifts, passions, and the needs of His Kingdom.

Scriptures to Reflect On:

  • Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…”
  • Romans 8:28 — “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

2. Discerning Your Calling

Steps to Discernment:

  1. Seek God in Prayer:

    • Spend intentional time asking God to reveal His plans for you.
    • Pray with an open heart: “Lord, show me where you want me to serve and how I can glorify You with my life.”

  2. Evaluate Your Gifts and Passions:

    • Reflect on your spiritual gifts from the inventory.
    • Consider what brings you joy and where you feel most fulfilled in serving others.

  3. Listen to the Holy Spirit and Trusted Voices:

    • Be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
    • Seek counsel from spiritual mentors, pastors, or mature believers who can provide insight and confirmation.

  4. Look at the Needs Around You:

    • Where is God calling you to make a difference?
    • How can your gifts address specific needs in your church, community, or beyond?

3. Overcoming Obstacles to Walking in Your Calling

Common Challenges:

  • Fear and Doubt:

    • Fear of failure or inadequacy can paralyze you.
    • Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”

  • Comparison:

    • Comparing yourself to others can lead to insecurity.
    • Remember that your calling is unique, and God’s plan for you is not identical to anyone else’s.
    • Key Scripture: Galatians 6:4-5 — “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else…”

  • Lack of Clarity:

    • Feeling uncertain about your next steps is normal.
    • Trust that God reveals His plans progressively as you step out in faith.

4. Living Boldly in Your Calling

Practical Steps to Walk in Your Calling:

  1. Start Small:

    • Begin serving where you are now. Small acts of faithfulness often lead to greater opportunities.
    • Key Scripture: Zechariah 4:10 — “Do not despise these small beginnings...”

  2. Stay Connected to God:

    • Regular prayer, Bible study, and worship keep you aligned with God’s will.
    • Remember that abiding in Christ is the foundation of fruitful service (John 15:5).

  3. Embrace Your Unique Role:

    • Celebrate the gifts and calling God has given you, even if they seem unconventional.
    • Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:18 — “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”

  4. Step Out in Faith:

    • Take action, trusting that God will equip you as you obey His leading.
    • Key Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 — “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Activity: Crafting Your Personal Calling Statement

  1. Reflect on These Questions:

    • What gifts and passions has God placed in your life?
    • What needs do you feel called to address in your church, community, or the world?
    • What fears or challenges do you need to surrender to God?
    • How will you take your first step toward walking in your calling?

  2. Write Your Statement:

    • Use your reflections to craft a personal calling statement (150–200 words) that summarizes how you believe God is calling you to serve.
    • Example: “I believe God is calling me to use my gifts of encouragement and teaching to disciple young people in my church and community. My passion is to see others grow in their faith and discover their God-given potential. I will start by mentoring one person and leading a Bible study, trusting God to guide me each step of the way.”

  3. Submit Your Statement:

    • Share your calling statement with your instructor or in the course forum. If you’re comfortable, ask for prayer and feedback from your peers.

Reflection Questions

  • What excites you most about walking in your calling?
  • What specific step will you take this week to begin living out your calling?
  • How can you stay grounded in God’s presence as you step into your role?

Encouragement

Remember, your calling is not about perfection but about faithfulness. God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. Trust Him to provide everything you need to fulfill His purposes in your life.

Key Scripture to Meditate On:
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." — Philippians 1:6