Rip + Grip: Thoughts on Calling vs. Career

I remember the first time God called me into ministry. I was 16 years old and went to a summer camp in the Kootenays. During one of the night services, the youth speaker talked about vocational ministry. His words gripped my heart and I felt like I was the only one there. It was one of those moments that God was speaking to me personally and wouldn't let go.  

In calling, I reflect on two ways that God speaks to us:

First, He calls us to rip ourselves out of the equation - my plans, my dreams, my passions. For me this was all about becoming a lawyer and making money. We also see this with the Apostle Paul, Peter at the Resurrection breakfast and many others. God rips us from our selfishness, pride and sin and reveals his plans, his dreams amd his passions for His people who are called for ministry.

Second, He grips us to the things that matter to God - people, the Gospel, the Church and love/healing/redemption in order to reach the world with His goodness.

At times, ministry can be difficult, hard and lonely; YET, calling will rip you and grip you by His Grace. Don't let ministry become a career. Let God renew, deepen and motivate you by His calling over you because He has some great things in store for you (1 Corinthians 2:9).