"And though you may be living what seems like an ordinary life, faithfully doing what God has placed in front of you to do means you are actually living an extraordinary story. Simply put, we Christians live a great story when we are being faithful. And the kingdom is made visible in the mundane when we forgo what's attractive for what is obedient."
-Nish Weiseth, Speak
I am a product of the generation that was obsessed with knowing our life's calling. We've read every book about personal mission statements, spiritual gifts, and ministry that is individual to you. These are not bad ideas - not at all. I'm afraid we've put too much pressure on ourselves, though. We seek diligently to understand God's calling, and when it is unclear, we find ourselves in a bit of a crisis.
For those in college or a few years past, we often get asked questions about our futures. What are you going to do with that degree? What is it that you feel called to? Where do you see yourself in five years? Setting goals is one thing - knowing what's ahead is another. Even when we are well-intended and earnestly seeking God's guidance, it seems that he only shows us one step at at time. I'm beginning to think that our "calling" looks differently than we expected.
I don't discredit the people who know God's overarching calling on their life at all. I know people who are meant to be teachers or nurses or pastors. You can see those gifts all over them. For the majority of people, though, I think we have been waiting for one big idea to pop into our heads or hearts and show us which road to take. We hope for something exciting and meaningful - a calling that gives our life direction and purpose. And maybe God will provide a specific calling for you. Or maybe, he's calling you to whatever's in front of you.
After recently reading Speak by Nish Weiseth, I've been challenged by the call to faithfulness. Faithfulness can look many different ways, but it always means obedience. Being faithful means giving God all of yourself. In my ordinary, everyday life, I'm usually longing for what's next. I'm anticipating what God will have in store months or years ahead, and I'm seeking his guidance for what he would have me do. And I've missed the point. I've missed God's call to living faithfully right now - in my marriage, my job, and my relationships.
"And the kingdom is made visible in the mundane when we forgo what's attractive for what is obedient." I recently wrote that I wanted my life to be a part of bringing God's kingdom to earth. To do this, I see that God calls me to give up what is glamorous and adventurous for what is present. I don't want to miss the point. I want to live faithfully. At this point, that is all I know God has called me to. So if I desire obedience and a life abiding in Christ, my best option is faithfulness.