Hungry for God; Starving for Time

Sunday

If You Suspect God Is Calling You -- 7 Ways to Know, Part II

It’s undeniable—that gentle (or not-so-gentle) tug on your heart. You think God might be calling you to do something, but you’re not sure. How can you be certain it’s God calling you and not one of your own crazy ideas?

In my last blog post, I shared four signs God is calling you, based on Moses' experience in Exodus 2-3. If you missed that post, click here to read "7 Signs God Is Calling You, Part I."

Today I'd like to share three more signs God is calling you:

5. God will provide what you need.


Moses was concerned that Pharaoh and the Israelites wouldn’t believe God had sent him. In response to his concern, God gave him what he needed to accomplish his mission—his rod—and instructions in how to use it.

One year I sensed God was calling me to attend a writers conference. It was expensive and would involve rescheduling two days of patients and losing two days of income.

Shortly after I began to pray about it, my coworker asked me if I could work two extra days for her. Guess when? The week before the writers conference.

“And if you’d like me to work for you so you can have a few days off, I’d be glad to,” she said. Her offer enabled me to take the next week off without having to reschedule any of my patients.
 
Well Lord, you’ve removed two of three obstacles preventing me from attending the conference. The only problem that remains is the $800 conference fee.

Shortly after I prayed, I received an unexpected check—for $800. God had shown me clearly that I was to attend the writers conference.


6. God will bring others along to help you.

God called Moses to a monumental task—to face the leader of one of the most powerful nations on earth and demand the release of more than a million people. I'm not surprised that he doubted his ability. Even after God gave him a healthy pep talk, Moses continued to protest. God graciously dealt with his lack of faith by sending his brother Aaron to help him.

"I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do,” God said (Ex. 4:15).

It’s noteworthy that after the first encounter with Pharaoh, Moses no longer needed to hide behind his older brother. He became a bold, powerful orator who faithfully championed the cause of his fellow Israelites.

Our family mission trip is a perfect example of how God brought others alongside us to make up for what we were lacking. 

My husband and I felt comfortable teaching and leading Bible studies, but when the missionaries with whom we’d be ministering asked if our team could make some home repairs, we knew we were out of our league. Our coworker, Mike, however, was especially handy with tools. His wife, Mandy, has the gift of organization, and together we were able to preach, teach, and give our missionary friends’ kitchen a much-needed face lift.

7. God will reassure you about (but not remove) your inadequacies.


Moses was scared to death. He felt woefully unprepared for the monumental task God was calling him to. He was a poor speaker, and he lacked self-confidence. God, however, made it perfectly clear that his power would be behind Moses’ calling.

"Who gave man his mouth?” God said. “Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" (Ex. 4:11-12).

When God calls us to do something for him, he seldom waits until we’re polished and perfect. If he did, we’d be tempted to trust in our own abilities instead of seeking his power and enabling. The apostle Paul explained it this way,

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

On our mission trip, we were asked to counsel couples struggling with marital challenges. My husband and I felt woefully inadequate, but we stepped out in faith, asking God to speak through us. During one of our sessions, a man and his wife committed their lives to Christ. Today, seven years later, they are still together and serving God in their local church. We are amazed at how God didn’t remove our inadequacies, he worked in spite of them.

I hope this list of ways God confirms his calling will help you the next time you sense him speaking to you. It isn’t all-inclusive, nor are you likely to experience all seven. It does, however, attempt to explain the gracious way God reveals his will and then confirms it.

If you sense God calling you to do something, I encourage you to claim the promise of Jeremiah 29:13:

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Prayer: Father, I don’t know what your will for me is, but I believe you will make it clear. Help me step out in faith and obedience, knowing that you will walk with me every step of the way. Use me for your glory, Amen.

 Now it’s your turn. How have you seen God confirm what you suspected he was calling you to do? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.




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That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!

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Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.

When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.

“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style




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24 comments:

  1. A well-rounded list with excellent explanations. Thank you for it.
    My confirmation came today in the form of acceptance to a national organization in the direction I've been pursuing as God's call. Oh the JOY!

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    1. Woohoo! Congratulations! May the Lord bless you in your new role :)

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  2. Brilliant Blog with a wonderful explanation! Thank you so much for Sharing.

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    1. You are most welcome. Blessings to you!

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  3. Anonymous2:54 AM

    I love the write up, I know I have a calling. I love to encourages people. Presently am having a counseling course to help me in my ministry.i know he want me to encourages people especially the teenagers, because I went through alot as a teenager, it is by His grace I am where's am today if not Him I will be long forgotten. I know He made me passes through those challenges because of His call unpon my life.Am a bit nervous about starting, am I good enough, will be people accept me, I wish to have a mentor but scare of looking for, because I don't want people to expect much from me, but wish I can have someone to share my fear with. Am glad I write my thoughts here. Thank you

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    1. Thank you for writing, I suppose a faith-filled journey is always one filled with times of doubts, inadequacies and fears. For the hope that lives within us, that He who has begun a good work in you will see to its completion, let's keep pressing on to do what the Lord has called each of us to do. Peace and grace of God be with you :)

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    2. May the Lord bless you as you step out in faith to obey the calling God has placed on your life. It's been my experience that every time God calls, he also supplies. He will provide everything you need in this next part of your adventure.

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  4. Anonymous3:09 PM

    Thanks. I found this helpful. Will probably go over it again

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    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you found it helpful. Please stop by again!

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  5. Personally I've always struggled with religion. For a while I rejected God and any sort of religion to be exact. At the time I was depressed, and close to a end. Though, up until recent events I've been able to get the help I need. I've been on medication for about 2 months, and my life has changed drastically. I've lost most of my friendships (which now looking back were rather toxic) , got out of some long romantic relationships, and now I've felt my priorities change. I'm a 17 year old, and I know this may come off weirdly, however up until recently I've been pulled closer to my mother, and family whom I've had a rocky relationship with prior. Not only but up until recently I've been wanting to go to a Nun Monestary near my home. I don't know why ive changed so much within the past 3 or 4 years, and in a way it scared me because I've never felt so strongly pulled towards anything like this. Overall up until lately I've had this feeling in my heart where I need to go, and understand a bit more.
    That is why I suspect God is calling to me.

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  6. Each time I visit any pastor or Man of God, I am told that God's call is upon me.I have experience this more than 4times.Even in my office, people just call me and tell me that I need to work for God. I am fasting for 3 days now for divine direction.

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  7. Thank you for speaking about this. It has given me comfort and shown me that it is him moving in those amazing ways. I was even reading about the burning bush and went to search something and lead me to this it is incredible how God works.❤️🙌

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  8. Anonymous1:49 AM

    Thank you for this list. It helped me a lot to understand the feeling I've had. The call. Very helpful, stay blessed!

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  9. Anonymous12:05 PM

    i read about story of moses a few minitues ago. now i read this

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  10. I don’t know how to go about it I still don’t

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  11. I believe God called me to ministry years ago I have made alot of mistakes and bad choices and decisions but I feel an empty void in my life I know where I should be us in bible college I pray God open the doors and lead me to his calling and direction that I ignored years ago to fulfill his will for my life and share the love of God to as many people as possible Thank you

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    1. Eugene,
      It’s never too late to obey God. My husband also felt the call to ministry, but because of money dropped out of Bible college. Twenty years, one wife, and two children later he resumed his studies online. It was hard, but he’s never regretted it. He graduated, and now pastors a small church. I’m praying for you today, my friend!

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  12. Wow! God been calling me for a long time and I have been so rebellious. I'm so tired of being scared when I know God is with me all the way. What is it that holding me back? Please pray for me before it's too late for me.

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  13. I've been called as a musician, to write a series of albums to put on vinyl records only, travel to the ends of the Earth to spread gospel through music.

    This is ironic because I already travel to the ends of the Earth as a truck driver. Now I'm pressing records so everyone can hear and feel the power of God through music.

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  14. I've experienced all seven of these signs so now I'm writing music with uncanny new abilities with percussion and vocals/instruments. God is showing me the steps, and what to say, and even the musical arrangement. All my music is created from scratch.

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  15. Anonymous8:47 AM

    This is a nice write up. I came across this at a critical part of my life. I had tried way to be at the top, financially buoyant,free of debt the more I tried the more situation keep overwhelming it's the course of searching that I came across your write up. Before now I had visions and dreams saw myself preaching... About three friends spoke about this of calling of a thing but frankly I don't know how to go about it. I need His assurances and would want peoples to capitalise on the fact that because he didn't succeed in career assume for ministry. I am just not sufficient enough of all these.. I pray God for his backing and make me free of olds.
    Thanks so much. Pray that keep your ministry progressing in Jesus name

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  16. Anonymous12:46 AM

    I’ve been struggling with a calling to mission work that will interrupt my current college studies. It’s terrifying to allow God to take over your plans, but I know it will be rewarding in the end. This has definitely helped me in navigating if this is truly the direction God is calling me to go. The more I try to fight it, the more sure I become that this is truly God calling me to be a missionary for him.

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  17. Anonymous7:08 AM

    Thanks for your guidance, you are blessed in the Lord. Highly favoured to draw down to you for prayer help. It seems to me that l have calling, but experiencing depressive mind---inability of speech---afraid of people and more. Please Pastor, l believe with prayer help my situation will change.

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  18. Anonymous1:05 AM

    Thank you for writing I believe with prayers God will give me a helper to help me in my ministry of music

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Did this devotion speak to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and join the conversation.