All Aboard

In many cases, you could say there is a difference between our calling and our vocation.  For instance, God has called me to speak His truth, to be a communicator.  And, I have been blessed to be able to do that for well over three decades at Faith Radio.  In whatever occupation, you can use your skills and talents to glorify God and seek His purpose.  But, there may be something outside of that job to which He has called you.  In 2nd Peter 1, we can read these words:
10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.

A recent Christian Post article highlighted a new endeavor by actress Sierra McClain, most recently featured on the television series, 9-1-1: Lone Star.  The article says McClain, "...said she has always been drawn to roles that require emotional depth and strength of spirit...," and notes: "...in her latest project, McClain isn't playing a character. Instead, she is stepping into a calling from God."  The article goes on to say:  "Launched in June, McClain leads a seven-day "Thought of the Day" devotional series for Glorify," which is a Christian app.  According to the Christian Post: "The series centers on themes of self-discovery, spiritual growth and the transformative power of service."  This opportunity actually grew out of a plotline in the television series that grew into a real-life relationship.

McClain's "9-1-1: Lone Star" character, Grace, made headlines last season when she left her career and family to volunteer with Mercy Ships, the global Christian nonprofit that provides free medical care in underserved communities through hospital ships.

Shortly after that episode aired, Mercy Ships reached out to McClain in real life.  

The article goes on to say:

"My family and I have always made decisions for the same reason: listening to God," she said. "Even when the decisions weren't popular. Even when there was pushback. But now, I'm starting to see how the industry is shifting. And suddenly, those choices make sense."

"We've never chased success just to have it," she added. "We've chased obedience."

That clarity is what drew her to Mercy Ships, whose mission she described as both humbling and inspiring. Since 1978, the nonprofit has operated floating hospitals staffed by volunteers who provide free surgeries and medical care to thousands of people in countries with limited access to healthcare.

McClain notes: "I thought I understood Mercy Ships," adding, "But then I started hearing firsthand stories from people who had been on the ship, volunteers who gave up their lives back home to serve. And it really moved me. There was so much transparency in their stories, so much purpose in what they were doing. It made me want to experience it for myself."  The Christian Post reports, "While McClain hasn't yet served aboard a ship, she's embraced the organization's mission through storytelling, using her platform to amplify the voices of the underserved and point listeners toward a life of service."

Sierra has some words for believers who desire to walk that path of obedience; she says, "It can be scary...But my encouragement would be: try to open yourself up to wherever God is leading you. Even if you don't recognize it right away. I've had to hit factory reset on things I thought I knew so that I could listen again and walk with Him."

I think first and foremost, we should always try to make sure that we are in the center of God's will. That can be difficult sometimes in the midst of all of the influences that are in the world today. We can determine the personal call of God for our lives by spending time in the Word of God, through which the Lord will reveal His will, and through prayer and even godly counsel.  

We can always look for ways for God to use us in our vocation. That will include, for instance, if you're in a customer-service business or company, that you treat people the right way and seeking to exalt God in your personal interactions - with the customers and your colleagues.

You can also see if God might be calling you to serve Him in another way or an additional way.  Certainly, involvement in a local church is a great avenue for service.  Or, it could be with a Christian ministry.  Maybe, even, God might be directing you to start a ministry.  Following Christ is not intended to be a guessing game - we have to make sure that we are open to Him and listening for His direction.