Understanding God’s Will for My Life
Written by Major Lauren Hodgson
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
It’s wonderful to hear people give testimony as to when, where and how they felt God’s specific call on their lives. My personal feeling is there are some “non-negotiables”, like being saved, being a disciple for Jesus, and giving selfless service in His name. But we all struggle with “is this the voice of God or is this just my wishful thinking”!
So. . . . how do we ascertain God’s call on our lives. This may seem like an over-simplification, but it might help weed through all the wondering. Here are four questions to consider when wondering if God is calling you into a specific area of ministry and service:
- What’s your passion? It is true that God will sometimes call us outside of our comfort zones, but if you find yourself often being drawn to working with youth, the homeless, or the incarcerated there’s a good possibility that area of ministry is your passion.
- Can you live without it? If there is a certain kind of ministry or population that enlivens you or energizes you, can you be happy living without ministry in that area? Would you feel if there is something really lacking in your life if you couldn’t do what “gets your blood pumping. . . for Jesus?” I would then say it is not only your passion, but your life was tailor-made for this ministry.
- Can you handle the small stuff? Every job, every form of service, every ministry has those activities that really energize you, but – if the truth be told – there is probably about 90% of this call on your life that is mundane, lackluster and you probably would be quite happy doing without. You may enjoy working with youth, but having to shuttle them from place to place or dealing with some of their immature ways don’t make you say, “For this I was born!!” If you’re willing to put up with the other 90% of the “daily stuff” then you’re the right person for the job!
- Can you submit? The last I heard, “No man (or woman) is an island.” There are very few. . . . if any. . . positions that are not under someone else’s authority. Do you have such a passion for your ministry that you are willing to submit someone else “calling the shots.” They may not be what you would naturally ordain or you may not necessarily like your supervisor’s personality, but submission to spiritual authority is part of your witness.
1 Peter 2:9(NIV)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
