How do you know what God is calling you to do?
So what does it mean to be called by God? It means he has given you specific gifts, specific people, and specific work to do. Not every gift. Not every need on the planet. Being called by God is not a command to do everything. It is permission to do the good things he made you to do and to trust him with the rest.
In September, you have 183 chances to observe a national day celebration.
That’s a lot.
I can get behind National Burnt Ends Day and National Macadamia Nut Day. And because I have the best dog in the whole world, I’ll be participating in National Hug Your Hound Day.
No one will be surprised if I overlook Math Storytelling Day or forget about National Silent E Day. That’s because you understand I can’t possibly observe them all, and I understand it would be exhausting to try.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the needs around you?
So why do I live the rest of my life so differently? (And from what some of my friends are saying, they struggle with the same thing.)
Because we have access to information every hour of every day, we are aware of tragedy, need, confusion, and hurt suffered by people we have never and will never meet. We see so many opportunities to serve and hear about so many worthy organizations that could use some donations, yet we don’t have nearly enough time or money to support them all.
And instead of being able to pick freely which ones we participate in and which ones we decide are not our responsibility, we spread ourselves too thin or feel guilty when we say no.
Keeping perspective: Why can’t you meet every need?
No matter how much we hear that we can do it all, we honestly can’t give money or volunteer time to every person or worthy organization that asks. We cannot emotionally, financially, or physically meet every need.
That’s because we are not God. We are humans—designed, created, and chosen by God, yet with very real limitations. God is the one who is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-merciful, and “will meet all your needs [and everyone else’s needs] according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Following your path: What does the Bible say about being called by God?
About two thousand years ago, a pastor named Paul wrote to people who lived in Greece. As he talked to those people who believed in Jesus, he told them: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work” (1 Corinthians 12:4–6).
Right after he shares that cool news, he uses the analogy of a body and points out how silly it would be if the body was just one gigantic eye or one huge ear. We know how important it is to have all sorts of parts to make the body work.
That is the heart of what it means to be called by God. He hands out different gifts on purpose, and then he puts different people and tasks in front of each of us.
We each have a specific role to play, using our specific gifts to bless the world. That means you set boundaries on your time knowing that sometimes he will use you and sometimes it will be someone else’s opportunity. You have the freedom to say no, even to good things, when you are not called to do that.
Using your gifts: How do you know what God is calling you to do?
Then you get to choose how you will brighten the world with your good deeds. You can’t do it all, but you can give your all to the work God has for you. You know your talents and look for ways to bless the people around you. (You might hear Christians talk about feeling “called” when they talk about serving others this way.)
Not sure where you can pitch in? Consider what nonprofit you are thankful for or think about what issues break your heart. Then give some of your time, energy, or money because Jesus gave up heaven to make a difference in your life. Your calling usually starts with the good gifts God has already handed you and the people already standing in front of you.
Asking for help: Who is called to serve you?
Even as you look for ways to serve other people through your calling, remember that others are called to support you too! God didn’t call only you to serve, but he’s called other people to serve too. By asking for help or allowing other people to be generous to you, you are allowing them to fulfill their purpose.
So as you head into September, consider your calling as you fill your calendar with good things (not just national day events). Then whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Want to know more about what it means to be “called” to do something? Check out this week’s message from Pastor Mike, who shares how you have been called by God to bless the people around you.
Linda Buxa is a writer and retreat speaker, not a math major. She manually counted all the days on the National Day Calendar, so there’s a chance the 183 days figure may be off, give or take a few days.
