A few years ago, I was introduced to Matthew Geppert, President of SEAPC, and got to spend an hour with him over coffee. At that time, Laura and I were praying about starting L3 Leadership. He confidently affirmed that the vision in our hearts was needed in our city and in our world. That affirmation helped give us the confidence needed to launch.
Since then, Matt and I have followed each other on social media, but haven’t been able to connect. A few weeks ago, I was walking my daughter and praying, when I felt led to pray for Matthew and his ministry. That night, I got an e-mail from Matt asking to connect. We grabbed coffee again and shared what God was doing in and through our lives and minsitries. When I shared with Matt what we were doing through L3, he shared a few things that greatly impacted me.
He said, “Doug, you have 3 advantages:
- Your greatest advantage is that you are called by God
- Your enthusiasm, passion, drive, and charisma
- The pen in your hand (he encouraged me to write a book)”
[shareable text=”Tweet this >> “]’The greatest advantage you have is that you are called by God.'[/shareable]
The Greatest Advantage You Have is that You Are Called By GodGod used those words and my time with Matthew in a significant way. I was reminded how amazing it is that God has a plan and a call on our lives. As I reflected on that, here are a few things I thought about when it comes to God’s calling:
1.) You have a Call from God
Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” As a Christian, our greatest advantage in life is that God has a plan and a call for our lives. I am so glad that we don’t have to figure out what we’re supposed to do with our lives, but simply need to discover what He has planned for our lives.
2.) God will Affirm Your Call
I’ve found that there are times in our journey where we need to be affirmed that we’re on the right track. In these moments, God often sends people to us that will affirm what’s in our heart and challenge us to dream bigger. I would encourage you to make it a point to consistently schedule time with spiritual leaders in your life. You’ll be surprised how much God use those meetings to keep you going in the right direction.
3.) God will Direct Your Steps
The Bible says that God directs the steps of the Godly. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I was praying for Matt’s ministry one random afternoon and then got an e-mail from him that evening to meet. Our meeting was a divine appointment in my life. God used Matt to speak things to me that I needed for this specific time in my journey.
Mark Batterson often says, “God wants you to get where God wants you to go, more than you want to get where God wants you to go.” When you’re called by God and following that call, He will connect with you the right people and the right opportunities at the right time. Trust Him and His timing.
4.) Your Call has Nothing to do with You
Of course your call has something to do with you, but in reality, God’s call on our lives is not about us, it’s about others. When you’re walking in your calling and using the gifts God put inside you, it can be easy to think that you are something in and of yourself. When you do that, you will tend to focus on what is in it for you. That is a dangerous place to get to in your heart.
[shareable text=”Tweet this >> “]The Bible says that in ourselves we are nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing, but in Him, we can do all things.[/shareable]
The Bible says that in ourselves we are nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing, but in Him, we can do all things. Always remember that everything you have going for you is from Him. Your call is from Him. Your gifts are from Him. Any favor you’ve had with what you’re doing, is from Him. Always remember why you are called: to make a difference in the lives of others for His Kingdom.
5.) Always Go Back to Your Call
In times where you feel confused or want to quit, ask yourself, “Did God call me to do this?” or “Is God still calling me to do this?” If so, keep going. When you remember that you’re called, it makes difficult seasons easier to navigate. Remember why you started.
Your greatest advantage is that you are called by God!
Questions:
- What have you learned about the call of God on your life? Comment below!
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