How Can I Know for Sure?

More than once this week I have been asked, "How can I know for sure that this ministry (or job) I feel led to do is God's calling instead of just my own desire?" This is a good question and one which I myself have asked regarding my own ministry. 



It is not uncommon for those who have been called to a particular ministry or vocation to question occasionally whether or not they are indeed doing what they believe God has called them to do.  The Bible tells us that God does indeed have a good plan for each of us.  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).  But how do we determine what that plan or purpose is, and how do we determine if it is God's plan or simply our own desire?  I believe that in many cases, the two can be closely related.



In Psalms 37:4 we are told to "take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."  When we wholeheartedly seek a more intimate relationship with God through the study of his Word and prayer, not only does he give us a glimpse into what matters to him but he also begins to align our desires with his own desires for us.  As we allow him to conform us more and more into his image, he begins to shape us to fulfill his purposes in our lives.  We begin to recognize the ways God has gifted us to serve him.  As we operate in those gifts, God begins to use us and we begin to recognize his call and purpose for our lives.  Some people may have a greater sense and see a more immediate manifestation of God's call than we do.  But that in no way minimizes God's call for us, or our ministry to him and those around us.

It has only been in the past few years that God has revealed his calling on my life to encourage others with the truths of Scripture and to show its relevance in our daily lives. That didn't happen overnight but rather through a series of vocations, challenges, and seasons of my life which collectively worked to birth a passion for his Word and ministry.  My speaking and writing ministry is unique to me.  God did not call me to be a Beth Moore or Kay Arthur but rather the best me I can be.  He confirms my calling through the encouragement I receive from those he has used me to encourage.  For every word of affirmation, however, Satan hurls a dart of doubt at my shield, hoping to disarm me with discouragement.

The only way we can know God's calling for sure is to step out in faith and walk into the unknown with the assurance that God will show us the way when and as he sees fit.  In the twelfth chapter of Genesis God called a man named Abram to follow him and promised that he would bless Abram in some pretty amazing ways.  But God didn't give Abram any specifics in terms of which way to go.  God merely said, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you" (v. 1).  That's it.  Just "go."  "So Abram went" (v. 4).  "Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).

If you feel called by God for a specific purpose, don't base your assurance of that calling on what you can see with your earthly eyes.  Instead, believe with your heart that God has called you, step out in faith even though you can't see how God will accomplish his purpose, and know that God is with you to show you the way.  "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).  God will either direct you or redirect you to ensure that you walk in his will.



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To submit your question for "Dear Dee Dee", please email it to deedeewike@gmail.com orwrite to us at:   Dee Dee Wike, PO Box 193, Collierville, TN  38027-0193.

*********Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
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