How do I discover my specific calling?

Psalm 119:105Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

The first step to discovering your calling is to get to know God more closely by reading his Word. As God communicates to you through the Bible, he will show you what he wants you to do and where he wants you to go. The Bible is God’s message to you. As you prayerfully read and study, and as you bring this question before him in prayer, he promises to guide you. Notice that the lamp guides your feet and offers just enough light for the next few steps. You probably won’t see the entire road, just the next little bit. Take those next few steps, and keep moving forward.

Romans 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you.

When you let God transform you by the power of his Holy Spirit, he will literally begin to change the way you think so that you will know what he wants you to do.

Daniel 1:17God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom.

God has given every individual various natural aptitudes and abilities. These provide the biggest clue to what God wants you to do. Develop those strengths and begin to use them and you will see what God wants you to do.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. . . . A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

God has given every believer a spiritual gift to benefit his body, the church. When God calls you to do something for him, he will use those spiritual gifts to get the job done. It’s important to get involved so you can discover and develop those special abilities and begin to use them. Do you love children? Find ways to work with them. Do you have a heart for the needy? Look for places you can volunteer and help. Are you good at writing or math or accounting or public speaking or making music? Take opportunities to use and improve those skills in ways that serve the church.

Acts 13:2One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”

Often, God will move mature believers to recognize and confirm your calling. Be in fellowship as you serve and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 20:24“My life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”

Paul felt especially passionate about pursuing his calling, which was to preach the Good News wherever he went. He knew that to refuse to do that would be to waste his life. When God gives you a specific calling, it fills your thoughts and energies so that you have a longing to pursue it wholeheartedly. As you continue to do what God calls you to do, no matter how small or big, your life is worthwhile. You don’t have to do what the world sees as “great things”; you merely need to do what God has asked you to do.

2 Timothy 4:5You should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

As you follow God’s will, it doesn’t always mean that you’ll feel happy or that life will be perfect. You may, in fact, face suffering. This doesn’t mean you made a mistake or that you’re out of God’s will. Keep serving, keep doing what you sense God has called you to do. He will give you the strength to persevere even when it’s difficult.