Are you trying to clarify your calling? You might be wondering how God has uniquely created you to make a difference for His kingdom. You daydream about the important work he has prepared for you. But you aren’t sure where to start…
You’re not alone. Figuring out what you’ve been called to do is a big deal. It is an honor and a privilege to receive an assignment from the creator of the universe but if we aren’t careful we can get caught up in the pressure to figure it all out.
Take the pressure off to figure out exactly what God has called you to do. Start by doing some clarifying work. One of the best things we can do to gain clarity in our calling is ask questions.
What are You Good at?
The first step in clarifying your calling begins with your gifts and talents. Take stock of your innate gifts and talents. The things that you are naturally skilled at are not an accident.
The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts like teaching, healing, encouraging, and more. We are given these gifts to make an impact for God’s kingdom in a unique way.
Here are a few questions to ponder when considering your gifts:
- What comes easily to you that others struggle with?
- What do others compliment you on or recognize as a skill of yours?
Investigate the answer to these questions. Take some time to consider them and verify with a friend or family that these are indeed gifts of yours! Or take things to the next level and take a spiritual gifts assessment.
Spend some time journaling, thinking and praying about what your gifts and talents might be. Once you feel confident in what your gifts are, you can look for opportunities to use them in ways that glorify God (more on that in a minute).
What Breaks Your Heart?
Your gifts uniquely equip you to pour into a cause or condition that breaks your heart. Discovering the thing that breaks your heart can be a total game changer when trying to clarify your calling.
Each of our hearts breaks for different things. Your heart might break for homelessness, victims of human trafficking, children in foster care, or a myriad of other issues.
Take a moment to consider issues that weigh heavy on your heart and mind? Maybe the thing that breaks your heart isn’t global or catastrophic, but it’s enough to weigh on you. It’s enough to frequently occupy your thoughts.
If you aren’t sure what breaks your heart there are a few things you can do…
- Research serve opportunities in your area – Which opportunities pique your interest? This could be a clue about a cause or condition that breaks your heart.
- Scroll through the news – What news stories create an emotional response in you? These days, most headlines are meant to give you an emotional flare up but pay attention to the articles that move you to a desire to take action.
- Spend time talking with passionate people – Take your passionate friends out to coffee. Ask them to tell you more about their passion. You just might find that you share a similar heartbreak or identify something in your own life that makes you feel as fired up as your friend. Read more about passion in your calling here: baileystonecoaching.com/passion
Take some time with this step. And if you’re coming up blank as God to share His heartbreak with you.
How Can Your Gifts & Heartbreak Make an Impact?
Gifts and heartbreak are two essential elements that will help you clarify your calling but don’t stop there. The next question you must ask yourself is: how an my gifts and heartbreak make an impact?
You have the ability to use your gifts and burdens in a way no one else can. No one can tell your story. Nobody else has your unique life experience!
With your unique gifts, you can solve a problem (or alleviate a burden) in a way that nobody else can. But it can be easy to get caught up in thinking that someone else is already doing the work you are cut out for or that God doesn’t really need you.
Those are lies straight from the pit of hell my friend. So send them back there! I’m here to tell you today that you are qualified, you are important, and you are worthy of doing good work for God’s kingdom.
Now that we have that straight, let’s brainstorm a few ways that your gifts and burdens can contribute to the kingdom of God. Consider the questions below:
- Can you lend your unique gifts and talents to an organization that tackles the burden you feel?
- Are you capable and equipped to lead a movement that addresses a heartbreak you feel?
- Who do you know that can help you use your gifts and alleviate your heartbreak?
This step might require some trial and error. Explore serve opportunities, potential jobs, or even starting your own venture.
What Now?
Clear up the confusion and start to clarify your calling!
If you’re feeling confused about God’s calling on your life begin to work through the questions above. Get in touch with your gifts, pay attention to the things that break your heart, and ask God to reveal opportunities to use your gifts and heartbreak for His glory!
If you’re looking for a guide to walk you through the process of clarifying your calling download my free guide!
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