Confirmation In Your Calling

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

A few years ago, I was asked to step into a ministry leadership role. Over the previous few years, my leadership in that ministry had progressed; however, in this position I would be the one leading the ministry.

Ironically, I had just talked with my husband about whether I should even continue in leadership in that ministry. I was going to start homeschooling our daughter in the fall, and I was uncertain about my ability to both homeschool and lead. So when they asked me to take this role, I was at a loss. I cherished this ministry, and one of my spiritual gifts is leadership; however, it all felt like too much.

As I do in times of uncertainty, I went to the Lord in prayer and saturated myself in his Word. His Word is like a cup of coffee that warms me and settles my heart. I don’t recall how I started reading Isaiah, but I read through Isaiah 41. The words of verse 10 in that chapter became a meditation as I read them over and over and applied them to my life.

He will strengthen me.

He will help me.

He will uphold me.

A flicker began in my heart. Was this what the Lord was calling me to do? Was he asking me to step up?

I decided to look more into verse 10 and read the footnotes in my study Bible*. One of the notes said, “strengthen…help you. As one called to God’s service.”

The flicker burned brighter.

The very next day, I received a gift from a friend. I hadn’t told anyone but my husband what I was praying about, but she said, “I saw this and had to get it for you.” It was a wooden plaque with Isaiah 43:1 written on it: “‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine’” (NIV).

I was appreciative of the gift and in awe of God. He was summoning me, and he was making sure I heard him loud and clear. Then as if all this wasn’t enough, I looked up Isaiah 43:1 in my Bible and read the footnote for it: “Fear not. See 41:10 and note.”

I started laughing out loud. Okay, God, I hear you. I will step forward in faith.

Clarity and Confirmation in Your Calling

When we’re being asked to step forward in an area of service or ministry, it’s wise to seek the Lord for his will and direction, to seek him through prayer and Scripture for clarity and confirmation.

As much as I grasp the movement of saying your best yes and that it’s okay to say no, I’m concerned that an oversaturation of those messages can become an escape for someone the Lord is indeed calling. Instead of seeking him, they automatically go to what culture is promoting.

We are the church. We are the people. He still summons us.

If I had gone with my initial thought—I can’t do this; it’s too much—I would have missed out on so many blessings, on being able to pour into the lives of other women and encourage them. I would have missed out on a deeper and richer faith.

We are never alone in our calling. The Lord promises that he is with us, that he will help us and strengthen us. The Lord does not want us to fail, but to step forward in faith and trust him.

A few months after I stepped up in the leadership role, I attended a homeschool conference. I was a couple of months away from officially beginning our homeschool journey, and I needed encouragement. One of the speakers had written a book for homeschool moms, and I went to her booth to purchase it and have her autograph it. I thanked her for signing the book, and then I tossed it into my bag with all my other purchases.

After I returned home from the conference, I began to show my husband all the goodies and great deals I had scored. I pulled out the book and flipped it open to the autographed page. Tears started streaming down my face. How did she know? The author had signed her name and added “Isaiah 41:10.”

Here I had been so unsure about two different callings, and the Lord used one Scripture to give me clarity and confirmation.

Are you actively serving in ministry? Are you pouring into others? Have you sensed the Lord is calling you?

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your summoning. Thank you for always being with us, for helping us and strengthening us. Lord, we want to be a body of believers who say yes to you. Fill us with wisdom and direction as we take steps forward in faith. Grant us clarity and confirmation in our calling. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (Colossians 3:23 NIV)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various firms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10–11 NIV)

Reach for More

Are you plugged in at your church? Are you serving regularly? The church needs the people to say yes. If you’re not currently serving, find out what ministries are available for you to get involved in. Talk to the Lord about it, read your Bible, and pray that you will have clarity and confirmation.

Heather Gerwing is a homeschooling mom of four. She is a Jersey girl at heart but now lives in Michigan with her husband Jeff and their kids. Heather enjoys reading, coffee-ing, worshipping and writing. She is passionate about her family and living the full life. You can find her at heathergerwing.com.