Called to Succeed

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

Recently I've found myself in an unusual position-STUCK IN LIMBO! As this process is unfolding and teaching me patience, I am caught continuously asking myself "Cara, what is it that God is calling you to do in this season?"

As a not so new medical school graduate, working on a research project and waiting for the next move, I am surprised at the existence of such a mediocre, backward-thinking healthcare system that is sadly, crumbling from the top down. Can you picture the travesty? It is under these working conditions over the last year that I have found myself more compelled to re-evaluate my calling and the path to get there.

My mind finds its way to this quarter's Sabbath school lesson-exploring the lives of Ezra and Nehemiah and how God called each man to a specific task and how they responded. Prior to this, each man had to do several things in order to succeed at their calling.

Preparing For Your Calling

1. PREPARATION

Ezra 7:10: Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Lord prior to embarking on his calling. This is vital in any avenue of life. By preparing our hearts we not only dedicate ourselves to the task at hand, but we mentally prepare ourselves to whatever it takes to execute it. Seeking the Lord before any task is always important, as the best council we can receive is that from the Lord, for He knows the plans He has for our lives; he wants to be apart of all of our decisions because He wants nothing more for us than to see us succeed. 

2. FAST & PRAY

Nehemiah 1:1-11: Fasting is something I am still getting use to. It seems that the minute your mind is made up to fast and pray so that you would be able to hear God speak, is when you have everything in the world to do and there's everything you were craving now at your finger tips. 

There are all sorts of material on how to fast and the different types of fasts that you can do, but the best way is to start small. Fasting from social media for a certain amount of time each day or each evening, or to refrain from consuming certain drinks or food products until you're able to do full day fasts. 

The benefits of fasting are extensive, but as we can see from the story of Nehemiah, when he fasted and prayed, he made all of his requests known to God and he not only made God aware of his plans, but he petitioned the throne of grace on behalf of the brethren and repented of his sins. He also brought before God, all of the promises and held Him to His word. From this, it is important for us to practice this type of praying especially when we are on the verge of answering God's calling. 

Make God aware that you are willing, and you are going to hold him to His promises of never leaving your side through the journey. 

3. STICK TO THE TIMELINE

Daniel 9:24-27: Be sure to dedicate time to conquering the task at hand. This not only hold you accountable but it ensures you are not distracted and not a victim of procrastination. 

In this chapter of Daniel, there was a time to finish transgression and a time to make an end of sins and repent. Very serious stuff! We can see that when we are called to a task, regardless of what it is, the time we commit to getting it done, especially once it is brought before God is no laughing matter. 

I can recall the moment like it was yesterday when I received my admission letter to medical school. The degree would take 5 years of my life. Immediately my mind began racing, trying to map out how I would finance it all and whether or not I would be able to complete it in the 5 years required. Before announcing to my family, after my shift ended and on my drive home that night from work, I began to speak to God. God, this is it. You made this possible. I am dedicating the next 5 years to completing this degree, no more and no less. Make it happen, provide financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually like I know only you can. If this wasn't in your plan I know you wouldn't have answered my prayer. 

Needless to say, He kept his promise and provided. Was it all a bed of roses and filled with luxurious trips around the world on breaks? Not at all. It was a rollercoaster. The one where it feels like you're ready for it until you reach the pinnacle and on the verge of a monstrous drop that goes on for more than a minute. I faced all sorts of tests. Tests of defect, rejection, isolation, depression and of course contemplated throwing in the towel more times than I could count. But the timeline was set and the goal was to complete it and by God's power I made it. 

Setting a timeline and sticking to it, results in increased productivity because you become dedicated to getting it done and you then become free to new callings once the goal is met. 

4. BE AWARE OF OPPOSITION & OPEN TO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Daniel 8:1-27: While we are succeeding in our calling, opposition will come. You will feel as though you're a bunching bag for an MMA fighter. This should be expected. Don't dwell on it. Continue in your calling the best you can. 

There will be persons placed along your journey who will provide sound wisdom and constructive criticism to help in your calling. Seek discernment to know the difference, otherwise you'll be like a fool, taking advice from anyone with a mouth and an opinion. 

5. KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD

Romans 8: 28-29: Remain grounded and keep your plan before the Lord and as you work your plan, be encouraged because all things do work together. Of course it will require dedication, commitment and lots of humility, but with consistency and steadfastness, you will see God work things out for your good! 

In addition to the aforementioned, the lesson brought home the following points for me: 

1. Sometimes our calling is NOT a bed of roses.  God may prepare us for our calling through education or experiences, we must be up to whatever means He chooses. 

2. The reason we are called may be due to our willingness and humility. Are you finding yourself stuck in a rut, not experiencing new challenges? Have you checked your relationship with God recently? Re-evaluation helps ensure we are growing with Christ. 

3. No matter the calling, if we are not willing or humble we may very well miss out on the reward. There will be something that distracts us, keeps us depressed and unmotivated and further away from success until we find ourselves looking to ourselves for ways to succeed which as we all know leads to failure in one way or another at some point or another. 

Ezra and Nehemiah's calling was to a) rebuild the temple, b) to teach the people about God and c) to guide them back to a committed relationship with Him. As Christians, b) and c) are automatic callings. It's not always easy to know what we are being called to do, but it does get easier the more we spend time adjusting our schedule to give ourselves time to learn God's voice through daily communion with Him. 

In what ways have you experienced the reality that God is calling you? Have you been answering or running away from your calling?