“Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.” Psalm 37:5
Our Calling
Two dear friends have asked me questions recently about “calling”—does it change over time? Do I always feel called? They’re both facing some big issues, so the questions are very important and timely.
As I responded to them, I realized that I have always felt “called”—since I was a little girl of about five years of age kneeling by my bed in the middle of the night praying. I woke my mother up and asked her to pray with me because I had a sense that what God was putting on my heart was important. I didn’t hear an audible voice, but I knew God was speaking to me and calling me—to love and serve Him with my whole heart and to be a missionary. There weren’t any specifics of how/when/where, but the sense of calling was profound. It has remained with me all my life!
Through all my 73 years, that calling has not changed at all—but the expression of it, the way it’s been lived out, has changed…a number of times. Just as there are seasons in nature through the year, I think there are seasons in our lives. It’s important to not be stuck in any one “season” because God may have some new things in store for us. My sense of personal security has been in listening to His voice instructing me in terms of what I should be doing.
I’ve had a wonderful life of walking with Him, serving Him, and living out my calling. But it has certainly involved a wide variety of expressions. I’ve loved that! I’ve felt Him guiding me through the years in terms of what He felt was best for me, season by season. And there’s never been a dull moment! It has been a rich life of holding His hand and letting Him guide me.
Of course I’ve been married most of that time—since I was 18. It was always fascinating to see how God spoke to both Floyd and me when there was some “tweaking” to the season we were in. It was a sweet confirmation that we were walking in the calling God had for us as a couple.
Another thing that has given me security is knowing that when my heart is to love and serve the Lord, I don’t have to be paranoid about making mistakes. He’ll help keep me on the course He has for me. If I stray a bit, He gently helps me correct my course. I’ve always had the sense that He trusts me as I trust Him. It’s been a sweet affirmation in my walk with Him.
I’ve had lots of questions in the season I’m in now, but I’ve felt Him lovingly guiding me day by day as I walk a new path. He is continuing to guide me in my calling that began so very many years ago!
Thank you for your prayers that help undergird me as I continue to walk out my calling.
Lord, may we all know Your calling on our lives, according to Your plan. Help us faithfully walk it out. Amen.