3 Challenges when Stepping into our Calling
3 Challenges when Stepping into our Calling
During my quiet time, I kept returning to John 7. Do you ever do that? Do you find yourself in the same scriptures again and again and know that God has something for you there?
I believe that God has a plan for each one of us and the struggle is… it requires that we step out of our comfort zone. Personally, I have been struggling with this. Why can’t I honor God by doing what I am comfortable doing? Why can’t I just ride in the boat like the other disciples? Why is it that God continues to invite me to step out on the water and walk with Jesus?
What about you? Are you hanging out in your comfort zone or are you a water walker?
When we stay in our comfort zone then we are fully functioning in our own strength. Water walking requires faith. It requires trust. It requires partaking of the sufficiency of our Savior’s strength.
So, back to John 7… as I sat and studied, some things leapt off the pages at me. They may resonate with you as well. Let’s look at 3 Challenges When Stepping into Our Calling…
1. Don’t let doubters delay you.
In John 7:3-5, Jesus’ brothers were sarcastic and told Him if He was the Messiah to perform miracles at the festival for all to see. They doubted Him. They didn’t really get it. They had a limited perspective. But, Jesus didn’t need their approval, He sought to please His Father.
We want others to understand what God is asking us to do and then encourage us. Their perspective is limited. So, what are we to do? We keep our eyes on Jesus, spend time in the word and in prayer, and we seek wise counsel from those who have gone before us.
2. Don’t get sidelined by the imposter syndrome.
In John 7, we learn that the Jews questioned Jesus because He did not have a formal education. In verse 18 Jesus said, “He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory.” Verse 28b-29, as they continued to question Jesus, He replied, “I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. But I know Him, for I am from Him and He sent Me.”
As believers, we are to seek to do what God is calling us to do – all for His glory. We are not trying to create our own message. We are called to deliver God’s message – whether we are speaking, writing, coaching, dancing, painting, serving, cleaning, chatting, encouraging, selling – you name it. It’s not about us. It’s all about Him. We are to be like Jesus and continue on the journey of doing what God is asking us to do.
(And if you are not sure of your calling – it’s okay. Start asking God, searching the scriptures, journaling and listening. He has a plan for you that will require you to get off the couch. 😉 It doesn’t matter what your past looks like, it doesn’t matter how old you are – He has more for you. Step into it with Him. Say ‘yes’ to water walking.)
3. Don’t plug into a faulty power source.
In verses 37-38 Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” Jesus is revealing the promise of the Holy Spirit. Not only are we satisfied, but we will also become a river so that others may drink and be satisfied.
When we plug into the world, we become so bogged down thinking we need to do this and this and this and that before we….
start a bible study in our home
start a personal organization business
change jobs
book a speaking gig
share Jesus with our friend
launch a podcast
volunteer at the homeless shelter
start the business
launch the ministry
step into our calling
We need to plug into the power that resides within us – the Holy Spirit. He is our Power Source. He is our guide. All we need to do is to do what God is asking us to do. If He has revealed something to you, continue seeking Him as He reveals more and more. Step as He shows you the step (yes – just one) He will show you to take. We want a 5-year plan, but that would not require faith, seeking His face or trusting Him in the midst of uncertainty. He will reveal one step. Take it. Then go back for the next one.
Spending time in the word and in prayer – communing with God – will make us more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Keep a journal and write out whatever God reveals to you.
Let’s be water walkers! Life is short. There is much to do – for His glory. Take that step.
Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.
Ephesians 4:1
Note from Pam:
Thank you for reading this blog post. It is my prayer that God will use my words to encourage you to engage Jesus in an intimate relationship. I love working with women one to one and in groups to help them remove their blindspots and move forward in true freedom and leadership. I would love to come alongside you and help you step into God’s plan for your life. If that is of interest to you, let’s chat. Just click here.
I love you and am thankful you are here. Let’s ask, “Master, what matters?” and let’s engage Him and experience the more He came to offer.
Pam
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