Start Your Calling Early

One of the great responsibilities in the life of every believer is to discover the calling God has placed upon his life and begin to take it seriously as early as possible. Many people live for years without recognising what God wants them to do, and by the time they eventually begin to consider it, much of their life has already passed. Yet calling is not something that should be postponed until a convenient season. The earlier a person finds it and aligns his life with it, the better prepared he will be to fulfil it. The Scripture gives a clear instruction when it says, “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” That statement reveals that every calling requires attention, commitment, and deliberate effort. It will not fulfil itself automatically.

There are stages that most people move through in relation to their calling. First, a person must find it. This means recognising the direction and purpose that God has placed upon his life. After discovering it, he must accept it. Acceptance is important because some people see what God wants but hesitate to embrace the responsibility that comes with it. Once the calling has been accepted, the next stage is to take heed to it. At this point, the individual begins to study, learn, and prepare for the responsibilities connected with that assignment. Finally, the person begins to fulfil the calling, carrying out the duties that God intended for his life. At the end of the journey, every believer will eventually give account for how he handled that calling. The question is not whether an account will be given but how prepared you will be when that moment comes.

The life of Jesus provides a powerful example of recognising calling early. At the age of twelve, He already understood the direction of His life. When Mary and Joseph searched for Him and found Him in the temple, He asked them why they were looking for Him elsewhere, reminding them that He must be about His Father’s business. Even at that young age, He knew the nature of His assignment. Though many years of preparation still lay ahead before His ministry began publicly, His heart was already aligned with His purpose. In the same way, once you recognise what God has called you to do, you must begin to order your life around that understanding. Life is moving forward each day, and the sooner you take heed to your calling, the more effectively you will be able to fulfil it.

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Have I clearly recognised the calling God has placed on my life? Am I deliberately taking heed to it, or postponing its responsibilities?

PRAYER

Father, help me recognise and accept the calling You have placed upon my life. Give me wisdom and diligence to take heed to it and grace to fulfil it faithfully, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

1 Samuel 8:1-9:27, John 6:22-42, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35