Embracing Your God-Given Calling in Life

Devotional

Day 1: Calling Comes from God Alone

True calling is found by listening for God's voice above all others.

There are many voices in our lives—family, friends, culture, even our own ambitions—that try to define who we are and what we should do. Yet, the story of young Samuel reminds us that our true calling comes from God alone. Samuel was surrounded by people with their own plans for his life, but it was only when he quieted himself and prayed, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening," that he discovered his purpose. No matter how well-intentioned others may be, God's plans for you are greater and more loving than any human plan. If you are searching for your calling, take time to be still, listen, and invite God to speak. He delights in revealing His purpose to those who seek Him. [19:05]

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (ESV)
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

Reflection: When was the last time you set aside all distractions and simply asked God to speak to you about your calling? Will you make space today to listen for His voice above all others?

Day 2: Your Past Does Not Disqualify You

God’s grace redeems every story—your past cannot cancel your calling.

No matter what you have done or what has been done to you, your past does not disqualify you from the calling God has for your life. The story of Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, is a powerful reminder of this truth. Saul persecuted the church, approved of violence, and was the last person anyone would expect God to use. Yet, God chose him as His instrument to spread the gospel to the nations. Your mistakes, failures, or even the pain you carry do not put you beyond the reach of God’s grace. He qualifies you not by your resume, but by the blood of Jesus. If God could use Paul, He can use you—no matter your story. [32:31]

Acts 9:13-15 (ESV)
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”

Reflection: Is there something in your past that you believe disqualifies you from being used by God? Will you bring it to Him today and trust that His grace is greater?

Day 3: Calling Can Happen Anywhere

God can call you in any place, at any time, in the midst of ordinary life.

We often expect God’s calling to come in dramatic, spiritual moments, but the Bible shows us that God calls people in the middle of their everyday routines. Jesus called fishermen while they were working, a tax collector at his booth, and even called the speaker in a high school auto tech class. God is not limited by location or circumstance—He can speak to you at work, at home, or in the most unexpected places. The question is not where or when, but how you will respond. Will you see His call as an interruption or as an invitation to something greater? [21:42]

Matthew 4:18-22 (ESV)
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Reflection: Where in your daily routine might God be trying to get your attention? Are you willing to see His call as an invitation, even if it comes at an unexpected time or place?

Day 4: Courage Is Required to Walk in Your Calling

Fulfilling your calling will be challenging and will require faith-filled courage.

Walking in your God-given calling is not always easy or comfortable. Like Esther, who risked her life to save her people, you may be called to step out of your comfort zone, face opposition, or make sacrifices. The idea that God’s will is always easy is a myth; in reality, it often requires courage to obey, especially when the path is uncertain or difficult. Yet, it is in these moments of weakness and fear that God’s strength is made perfect. When you step out in faith, trusting God more than your own abilities, you will find fulfillment and see His glory revealed through your life. [03:28]

Esther 4:13-16 (ESV)
Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Reflection: What step of faith or act of courage is God asking you to take today in order to walk in your calling? What would it look like to trust Him with that step?

Day 5: Don’t Have a Backup Plan—Commit Fully to God’s Call

Wholehearted commitment to God’s calling brings fulfillment, even when the path is hard.

When you know what God has called you to do, don’t hold back or keep a backup plan in reserve. True fulfillment comes from fully committing to the path God has set before you, even when it requires sacrifice or seems uncertain. Many start out with good intentions but fall back on safer, more comfortable options when things get tough. Yet, those who persevere—who refuse to settle for anything less than God’s best—experience the deep satisfaction of living out their purpose. Trust that if God has called you, He will make a way, and He will be with you every step. [39:27]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Are you holding onto a backup plan in case God’s calling gets too hard? What would it look like to surrender fully and trust Him with your future, no matter the cost?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the truth that every person is created with a calling—a unique, God-given purpose that is not limited by our past, our pain, or our circumstances. Our identity is rooted in being sons and daughters of God, loved for who we are, not for what we do. Yet, calling is the way we live out that identity in the world, the practical expression of our faith that intersects with our gifts, passions, and the needs around us. Calling is not reserved for pastors or those in formal ministry; it is for every believer, wherever God has placed them.

Calling is not simply about what we’re good at or what we enjoy. It is that which we are supernaturally graced to do, in a way that advances God’s kingdom. This grace is evident when others look at what you do and say, “How do you do that?”—because it is God’s empowering, not just your own ability. Our calling is not always about us; it is always about loving, serving, and revealing God to others.

The story of Samuel reminds us that calling comes from God alone. There are many voices in our lives—family, friends, culture—but only God’s voice can reveal our true calling. Sometimes, we need to quiet ourselves and simply pray, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” God’s call can come anywhere, at any time, often in the midst of ordinary life. The disciples were called while fishing or collecting taxes; my own call came in a high school auto tech class, not a church service. God is not limited by our environment or our sense of readiness.

Our past does not disqualify us from our calling. The example of Paul—once a persecutor of Christians, later the greatest missionary and author of much of the New Testament—shows that God’s grace is greater than our failures. We are qualified not by our achievements or our history, but by the blood of Jesus and His choosing. When God calls, He often chooses those who feel unqualified, so that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Walking in your calling will not always be easy, but it will always be fulfilling. Don’t have a backup plan—trust that if God has called you, He will make a way. Listen for His voice, respond with courage, and remember that your calling is ultimately about His glory and His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. Calling Comes from God Alone True calling is not determined by the expectations or desires of others, even those who love us most. Only God’s voice can reveal our unique purpose, and it is in quiet, surrendered moments that we are most likely to hear Him. When we seek God’s direction above all other voices, we find the path He has prepared for us, one that is both challenging and deeply fulfilling. [18:13]
2. Calling Can Happen Anywhere, Anytime God is not confined to sacred spaces or special moments; He calls us in the midst of ordinary life. Whether at work, at home, or even in a classroom, God can break in and redirect our lives. The key is to view His call not as an interruption to our plans, but as an invitation into something greater than ourselves. [20:49]
3. Your Past Does Not Disqualify You No matter how broken or checkered your history, God’s grace is sufficient to redeem and repurpose your life. The story of Paul demonstrates that God delights in using those whom the world would least expect, transforming even our worst moments into testimonies of His power. Our qualification comes from Christ alone, not from our achievements or failures. [32:31]
4. Courage is Required to Walk in Your Calling Answering God’s call often means stepping out of comfort, security, and familiarity. It may require sacrifice, risk, and perseverance through difficulty. Yet, it is in these moments of weakness and uncertainty that God’s strength is most clearly displayed, and where we discover the true depth of fulfillment in following Him. [41:07]
5. Don’t Have a Backup Plan—Trust God’s Faithfulness When you know what God has called you to do, commit wholeheartedly without reserving a fallback option. Having a backup plan can become an easy escape when challenges arise, but faithfulness to God’s call means trusting Him to provide, sustain, and lead you through every season. Those who persevere in their calling, without a plan B, experience the fullness of God’s purpose for their lives. [39:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Recap: Esther and Purpose Beyond Pain
[03:42] - Created with a Calling
[05:15] - Identity vs. Calling
[07:14] - Defining Calling: Supernatural Grace
[10:33] - Calling Comes from God
[11:11] - Samuel’s Story: Hearing God’s Voice
[17:02] - Competing Voices and God’s Plans
[19:18] - Calling Can Happen Anywhere
[20:49] - The Disciples’ Ordinary Callings
[23:00] - Personal Stories: Calling in Unexpected Places
[26:52] - Your Past Does Not Disqualify You
[27:27] - Paul’s Transformation and Calling
[34:36] - My Calling: A Personal Testimony
[39:27] - No Backup Plan: Persevering in Calling
[41:24] - Responding to God’s Call
[43:08] - Prayer and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In 1 Samuel 3, what was Samuel doing when God called him, and how did he respond each time he heard his name?
According to Acts 9, what was Saul doing before his encounter with Jesus, and how did his life change after that moment?
The sermon mentioned that calling can happen “anywhere, at any time.” What are some of the ordinary places or situations where people in the Bible received their calling? ([20:05])
What phrase did Eli tell Samuel to say when he heard God’s voice again, and why is that significant? ([15:52])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to call Samuel in the middle of the night, rather than during a religious ceremony or public event? What does this say about how God works? ([11:11])
The sermon says, “Your past does not disqualify you from your calling.” How does Paul’s story in Acts 9 illustrate this truth? ([32:31])
The pastor described calling as “that which you are supernaturally graced to do, in a way that advances God’s kingdom.” How is this different from just doing something you’re good at or enjoy? ([07:14])
What does it mean to “not have a backup plan” when it comes to following God’s call, and why might that be important? ([39:27])

Application Questions

The sermon encouraged us to pray, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” When was the last time you intentionally set aside time to listen for God’s voice? What would it look like for you to do that this week? ([15:52])
Are there voices in your life—family, friends, culture—that are louder than God’s voice when it comes to your sense of purpose? How can you quiet those voices to better hear from God? ([18:13])
Have you ever felt unqualified or disqualified from something you sensed God calling you to do because of your past? How does Paul’s story challenge or encourage you? ([32:31])
The disciples and others in the Bible were called in the middle of their everyday routines. Where might God be trying to get your attention in your ordinary, daily life? ([20:49])
The pastor shared that walking in your calling is not always easy, but it is always fulfilling. Can you think of a time when following God’s direction was hard, but ultimately brought you joy or purpose? ([41:07])
What “backup plans” do you have in your life that might be keeping you from fully committing to what God is calling you to do? What would it look like to trust God without a plan B? ([39:27])
The sermon said our calling is always about loving, serving, and revealing God to others. In what specific ways can you use your gifts and passions to serve others this month? ([03:42])

Sermon Clips

If your purpose is only about you, can I tell you again and remind you again this morning that is not God's purpose for you. God's purpose for you is not just about you. It's always about loving others, serving others, showing others what God really looks like. [00:02:00]

Calling that which you are supernaturally graced to do that advances God's kingdom. that which you are supernaturally graced. There is a grace upon your life to do this certain thing in a way that very few other people can that when other people look at it in your life, they say things like, "How do you do that? There's no way I could do that." [00:07:26]

But more than all of that, calling should be the thing that when you're operating in it, listen, it's like you found that sweet spot of the intersection of your faith and what you believe and living out your practical life every single day. That moment where everything clicks and it begins to make sense and you have that thought, you're like, "Oh, this is what it's all about. This is why I'm here. This is why God made me and wired me the way that he did." [00:09:00]

When you find that, when you find your calling, number one, you can't imagine your life without it. And especially too, if you find your calling later in life, you have that thought. You think, "How did I live so long without this? How did I go for so long? Not knowing this, not doing this, not walking in it, not operating in it." [00:09:27]

Calling comes from God. Calling comes from God. This is real important for us um especially as Christians that we settle with this belief that calling comes from God. And again, just because your calling isn't to be a pastor doesn't mean that your calling still doesn't come from God for whatever he wants you to do, wherever he wants you to do it. [00:10:30]

There are a lot of voices out there in this world that are calling your name, that are calling for your attention, for your devotion, that are calling for your sacrifice, that are saying, "Take this path or that path. Go here, work here, move here, do this, be this." And listen, can I tell you right now, not all of them are bad voices. Not all of them are bad voices. [00:17:08]

It is only by his voice alone that we find our true calling and purpose. not from anyone else. Even people that love us and want the very best for us. Calling comes from God alone. And listen, my encouragement to you is this. If you're here today and you are still searching for your calling, wondering what is my calling? [00:18:24]

Calling can happen anywhere. You see, I think sometimes we overspiritualize calling when it comes to God. We think that it has to be in the right place at the right time. That the worship team needs to be singing the right song, a favorite song. You know, the lighting has to be just right. It can't be too bright, but it also can't be too dark, you know. [00:19:22]

Most of them were just going about their everyday ordinary activities and Jesus seemed to show up out of nowhere and completely change the trajectory of their lives. And listen, the same can be true for you. Okay? Don't think that you have to create and manufacture this perfect moment and this perfect environment or that you have to find it somewhere and place yourself in it in order to receive your calling from God. [00:20:40]

If you could do it and it all made perfect sense, then how would God ever get any glory for that? But no, he often calls those of us that feel unqualified. Why? Because where is his strength made perfect? In our weakness, not in our strengths. [00:26:26]

Your past does not disqualify you from your calling just as much as your past does not qualify you for your calling. There is nothing so bad and nothing so great that either says, "Well, yeah, God, look at my resume and everything I've done. Surely you would call me." And God's like, "No, actually, I'm going to call the guy that's been going around murdering and arresting Christians. I'm going to use him." [00:32:46]

You are qualified. You are made righteous. Not by your good deeds, your education, your experience, your talent, your skill. Listen, can I remind you? You are qualified and made righteous by the shed blood of Jesus and by that alone. It is not by anything that you have done. It is only by what he has done for you. [00:33:24]

When you know God's calling for your life, and and hear me on this part, okay? When you know God's calling for your life, do not have a backup plan. Do not have a backup plan. Because here's the thing, if you have a backup plan, I promise you will use it. You will use it. [00:39:09]

Very few of our friends and colleagues from college are still in ministry to this day, 20 years later. You know, the ones that are, the ones that didn't have a backup plan, and said, "I don't know. Maybe I'm just going to be crazy enough to believe that if this is what God has called me to do, then he's going to make a way and he's going to figure it out." [00:40:34]

Has walking in the calling always been easy? No. No. No one goes into pastoring because it's easy. It's been hard. It's been difficult. However, it has always been fulfilling. Why? Because I know that this is what God has called me to do. So, that is my encouragement to you. Find out what God has called you to do. [00:41:02]

Will it be easy? No. Will it be fulfilling? Absolutely it will. [00:41:27]

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