The very word “assignment” casts my mind (way) back to high school. Nothing used to strike fear into senior students more than a maths assignment handed out by Mr Payne. The assignments were always notoriously difficult, and with trembling we would cast our eyes over the requirements and inwardly groan, knowing there was a high likelihood of failure. Mr Payne’s name seemed more than appropriate!
God gives assignments too. They may even cause us some pain, especially if the assignment requires some dying to self, patience, endurance, or long-suffering…in other words, those fruits of the Spirit that always seem to take longer to ripen!
God’s assignments are specific, for a specific time, and serve a specific purpose for His kingdom. It might go unnoticed or unappreciated by others. But does that matter? An assignment involves doing something. The good news is that God does not grade us as “pass” or “fail” when we take on an assignment! In fact, if we feel underqualified, weak, or unable, that’s exactly when God’s grace proves sufficient if we will rely on Him to help us do whatever he has asked us to do. To pick up the phone? To walk across the room? To listen? To speak up? To serve? To take on that new role at work? To sacrificially give? To care for that loved one? Whatever the assignment is, we just need to obey and God’s grace will take care of the rest.
I used to wonder, what then is a calling from God? Is a calling always a Damascus Road epiphany-type experience? Because if that’s the case, I’ve never had one! Had I missed my calling?
What do you think when you hear someone say “God called me to…?”
I’ve come to the conclusion that God calling people in lightning bolt kinds of ways tends to be the exception rather than the rule.
For most of us, perhaps entering our calling is more like a journey than a jolt?
As we take one little obedient step at a time there comes a time when we can look back and see that we’ve walked right into our destiny.
Calling in this sense is simply recognising, and then using, our God-given natural gifts and talents along life’s journey.
Are you using yours?
We’re all unique, so what it looks like for me will look different for you.
Jo 🙂
Quietly Roaring 
“For most of us, perhaps entering our calling is more like a journey than a jolt?”
I think you nailed it, Jo.
Wasn’t Jesus earthly calling a journey? It looks that way to me each time I read even a portion of the gospels!
Insightful and enlightening post! Thank you!
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Wow, great point you’ve made about Jesus’ earthly calling G.W. It has really helped clarify what I have been trying to understand personally in regards to this whole concept. Appreciate your stopping by!
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Jo, I identify with you on this. I think this sums it up well, “As we take one little obedient step at a time there comes a time when we can look back and see that we’ve walked right into our destiny.” A great post to reflect upon.
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Thankyou Manette. I’m about to step into a new assignment/work role, and I have been reflecting quite a bit on this whole topic.
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I had no Damascus road moment either Jo. I used to think it had to be that way but have learnt that if I am seeking the Lord and being obedient to Him, then I am sure to end up in the spot where He intended me to. Mine has definitely been a journey and I also think we have to be open to growing even after we feel we are doing what he calls us to. We never know what he will nudge us to do next.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience on this Manu. I agree that we have to be open to growing, and perhaps different assignments can also be a way of revealing our calling, and as you say, we end up in the intended spot!
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Excellent thoughts, Jo! Ephesians 2:10 is one of my favorite verses: “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for a life of God works He prepared in advance for us to do. “
I am also looking at a possible new assignment—for next school year. Thank you for the reminder that God has my life in His capable hands.
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That’s a great verse David, and very apt for this conversation! I’ve been working in the same place for more than a decade, and my new role is something I’ve never done before. I am nervous but excited!
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Jesus was called down to earth. I think my calling comes from the earth, being out in nature, I have those epiphanies, things make sense and the path becomes clearer. When I am too much in my head, I begin to make poor decisions. There is a flow that we can connect to in nature, an unfurling that effortlessly occurs and all we have to do is follow it. This is a lovely reflection and made me think of many things. Thanks for sharing
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God’s creation sure has a way of ministering to our souls. I also love being out in nature, it’s where I feel most at peace. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts Kate. 🙂
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Our pastor defines “calling” as our call to be saved, and what we do specifically with that calling is our “assignment.” Up until then I had always thought a calling was a specific ministry or anointing. I guess it doesn’t matter, as long as we have “the mind of Christ” pertaining to our calling, our relationship with Him, our gifts, our anointing, our ministry, our mission field, and whatever our assignment is for each day. (I pray this daily … yes, I’m covering all the bases. … OCD …)
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That’s a great definition which sure helps clarify the difference. Thanks for sharing it Annie!
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