I read an article recently about a pastor who had become a great influencer of society. His sermons attracted thousands of worshipers each week. He also had a radio show with one of the highest ratings in the country.
His growing fame and success prompted questions of whether it was fueling his political ambition. This was his answer: “Politics is a childhood dream. But a dream is different from a calling.”
This made me ponder dreams versus the callings we receive from the Lord. Is there a difference? I am reminded of when Paul instructs the body of believers in Ephesians 4:1-2, “… I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
To me, it seems that if our childhood dreams do not hinder us from living a life worthy of our calling, then there is no conflict between the two. It’s when a childhood dream keeps us from living a life worthy of our calling that the tension arises.
I am speaking from my own experience. My dream was to become a news anchor. And for the last four years, I have been fortunate enough to get to live out that dream. And I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. That is, until I started to have a greater sense of God’s calling over my life – to be a messenger of His truth through the written and spoken word.
I had to ask myself some tough questions: Would staying in news be worthy of the call God has given me? Would He be able to do all He desires to do in and through me if I remain in this position?
After thinking long and hard, and praying longer and harder about it, I just couldn’t answer yes to either of those questions. I knew God was challenging me to step out of this job and into the adventure of faith to live a life that was worthy of the calling I had received from Him.
So I did it. I let go. I can’t yet see the whole picture, but I know that the voice leading me will reveal the next step when it’s time. My job is not to figure it all out all at once. My job is to simply obey.
It doesn’t mean it’s easy. Stepping out of our comfort zones and saying yes to God can be terrifying and against all human logic. But when we hear the call and we know what our assignment is, God leaves it up to us to respond.
Often this response requires choosing the road less travelled. The road off the beaten path. The road with some twists and turns and no sure end in sight. But we can be sure of one thing:
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
I have chosen to live a life worthy of the calling I have received from God. Or I am trying anyway. Have you?
Dear Lord, thank you for the dreams and desires you have placed in our hearts. Thank you also for calling us into your Kingdom to fulfill Your purposes. Help us distinguish between childhood dreams and our spiritual callings and empower us to move forward in the direction that pleases You most. Give us courage Lord to live a life worthy of the calling You have given us. Thank you that you promise to reward those who diligently seek You. As we say ‘yes’ to You, may You open the heavens and reward us with Your shalom peace and grace to sustain us in all things. Amen!
Food for Thought:
1. Recall a childhood dream. How is it similar or different to the calling God has over your life?
2. Do you know what God is calling you to do? What might be hindering you from stepping out and stepping into a new adventure with Him?