How do you know what God has called you to do?

Many people have asked me, “How do you know what God has called you to do?”  For me its quite simple.  What God has called you to do will match who God has created you to be.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says if anyone is in Christ (saved), they are a new creation.  As one grows in their relationship with Jesus, old patterns, tendencies, and personalities are replaced with the “new creature” God intended you to be.  For some this is a dramatic change over a short period of time and for others it may take a while to see these changes.

             Whatever God has set for you, He will grow you into the person you need to be to meet that need; provided you participate in his process of discipleship along the way.  A good servant of God knows they are never fully qualified for the task.  This is what constantly reminds them to trust in His Holy Spirit to not only lead the way, but also fill in the gaps of weakness where Jesus really shines.     

            I can’t tell you why I love teens, but only that I do.  I have a patience for them specifically that I do not have for other age groups.  This becomes painfully clear (to others) when I'm asked to lead adults in some way or another.  I tell people that adults bother me.  To claim the name of Jesus and not follow through in action frustrates me the most when seen in adults; especially ones who are supposed to be mature in their faith.  In teens however, I give more grace.  Maybe because I still remember what it was like to be one.  More likely though, because God has set me aside to minister to teens and has given me the grace needed to do so.  that's why I'm a "youth" minister and not an "adult" minister or Pastor.     

            The other proof of what God has called you to do lie in your interactions.  When there are teens around, I gravitate towards them.  Most adults can’t stand to talk to teens let alone be around them.  I love too!  I LOVE to do bible study with teens over adults.  I LOVE to do activities, ministry projects, mission trips, and all sorts of other things with teenagers.  Put me in a crowd and I will find a teen to minister to; even if it’s just with a smile or a laugh. 

            Simply put, WHAT I do is WHO I am.  It’s a part of my “newly created” nature.  Will I catch judgment from others about it…YES!  There will always be those adults who will see me as immature and will discount my opinion or worth in “mature” matters or group decision making.  But hey, I haven’t been called to them.  I've been called to the teenagers.  For the teens who spend a few quality moments with me they realize where my playfulness turns off and my seriousness kicks in.  There is just as much growth to be seen in the playful moments of a teen’s life as there are in their serious moments.  I “just happen” to be one of those who can see it, enjoy it, and chase after it. 

Whatever it is God has called you to, with faithful participation in His process, you will know.  It will be His “new creation” in you.  It will be WHO you are, not merely WHAT you do.