Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. (2 Peter 1:10)
After working at a full time job, my writing began to suffer until all I could do was journal my frustrations.
McDonalds came and went. Then Walmart, both physically challenging jobs, that left me too tired to write out more than a few sentences. I was tired of being tired. So I thanked God for my job and told Him I wanted to write for Him.
A few years ago as I was pondering the lack of life I had, the debt we were in, and fighting depression, the Lord spoke to me, “Write about me.” He has not stopped telling me this, “Write,” or “Tell me what you see.” This brought me back to my writing.
In 2 Peter 1:10, Peter is telling believers to “confirm your calling.” To verify what God has laid on your heart to do. That one thing the Holy Spirit is pressing on you to do. Why? “For if you do these things, you will never stumble.” (vs. 10b)
How do we verify what God has called us to do? Pray. Pray. Pray. Even if you feel you know, still pray. My answer came immediately and so did the longing. Tell God what you would like to do for Him; for others. Surrender it to Him. If it’s His will, He will confirm it with an audible answer or bring people and/or opportunities into your life.
For me the confirmation was through Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was doing one of their online Bible studies based on Lysa Terkeurst’s book, Becoming More Than a Good Bible StudyGirl. In it Lysa talked about how she struggled with the pain of abortion. Then the healing came when she trusted in the Lord. God then took this experience and showed her how to reach young women who were either planning on getting an abortion or who already had one. Her ministry and writing career has been blessed since.
That made me think of the audience I wanted to reach and inspire with my stories. Impressed with the Bible study and resources on the website, I checked it out even further and found Compel training. This site, designed by Lysa, is full of resources to teach people how to start their writing ministry and put God first in all they do. They teach us to hone our craft and give opportunities to practice writing either on the community forum or devotional contests.
I have been apart of many writing communities, but this one finally helps me to learn so much. I can see where the Lord can take my gift and it's amazing.
Going Deeper
In 2 Peter 1:5-7, Peter is telling believers that in order to be effective and productive in knowing Jesus Christ, they need seven qualities in increasing measure. They are goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Peter was speaking to people "that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ." (v.1) These were people who had a calling on them. Chapter one was written to help them develop their faith.
If the disciples left everything to follow Jesus, then being a Christian should require the same thing. It's a lifelong quest to gain knowledge of God through His Word. Whatever holds us back from serving God needs to be let go so that we can develop those same seven qualities Peter wrote about.
And one thing I had to learn that is so important on this journey, is that it's never too late to answer your calling.
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." (Romans 12:4-8)
God's calling is not limited to these. If you're a parent, it could be teaching your kids about Jesus, praying for them, praying for your spouse. Ministries can be small like ministering to your family or as large as leading a church, bur they all work together to further God's Kingdom.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16: 13-14
What calling do you believe God has on your life? What one thing do you feel the Holy Spirit bringing to your attention?
How can you develop your gift to bless others? Are there any opportunities around you that you could use your calling?
Other Verses
2 Timothy 1:9
Ephesians 4:1
Ephesians 1:18
John 5:39
Ecclesiastes 1:13
2 Timothy 2:15
Lord, thank you for the calling and gift you gave me. I pray you would raise up your people to know their calling and teach them to use it to not only serve others, but to glorify you and your Kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen
