Finding God’s Calling Wherever You Are

Finding God’s Calling Wherever You Are is the testimony of Candid Guest, Meegan Dugan Adell

In the mid-nineties, long skirts and short shirts were in and I was trying to find out what I was made for. Our charismatic church was focused on preparing teens for the ministry. I didn’t feel called to that, so I felt selfish pursuing a different career.

Along the way, I learned that God has many different places He calls Christians to and He is gracious to help us figure it out. Years later, in a place I never expected to be, lessons from those early years led me to the next step in His plan.

High school was a little lonely. Few kids at school seemed interested in following Jesus or maybe I assumed that. Most church kids were preparing for the ministry, but I didn’t feel the same call. Whenever an adult asked about my post high school plans, there was quiet disappointment when they learned I wasn’t following the other students. Unintentionally, I got the message that devotion to Jesus meant becoming a pastor, pastor’s wife, or missionary.

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Praying to Find God’s Calling

As I prayed for guidance, I tried something my father taught me. Praying an old African-American hymn, I asked God to order my steps (Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 42:16; Galatians 5:25 NIV). I could make my plans, however the Lord had His own (Proverbs 16:1-3, 9; Jeremiah 10:23 NIV). 

The next year, I found myself at a Christian college I had recently heard about. Adjusting to a new place wasn’t easy, but I learned so much about Jesus from my professors and newfound friends. I was intrigued by classes that focused on helping people in need.

Delving into Scripture, I found verse after verse about God’s special concern for the weak, poor, and oppressed, disdained by our wealth-obsessed world (Psalms 12; Psalms 35:10; Isaiah 42:1-7; Luke 14:13; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 10:31 NIV).

In Leviticus, the Lord even designed a radical jubilee system to restore a livelihood to those who had lost their land (Leviticus 25 NIV). These verses rang with bell-like clarity, resonating with something deep within me. It became clear that working in social services, helping people who were struggling was to be on the side of Jesus (Micah 6:6-8; Luke 4:18-19; James 1:27; Galatians 2:10 NIV).

After hours with Jesus, I realized that while not everyone is called to this work, God was calling me to be an agent of restoration (Proverbs 14:31; Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).

After college, the Lord opened doors to meaningful work I loved.

Life Happens

Years later, my life was upended. I had felt a pull towards serving college students for years. Just when I had left my safe, long-time job to test out teaching at a Christian college, my reality fell apart. I found myself in a divorce I hadn’t wanted, with no family around, and little regular income. The Lord showed up with grace for me, money just when we needed it, and after I stepped out in faith, a large contract that was tailor-made for me, leading me in a new direction.

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That job was a huge blessing! Still six years later, worn down by self-employment and single parenting I needed God’s guidance again. As I thought about running back to my hometown, I found myself praying the same prayer again: show me your will and order my steps. Jesus did just that. When I started learning about an exciting new field of work, God dropped an incredible, nonprofit job in my lap. 

Nonprofit work is hard. When I’m struggling, I wonder why God has me here. Still, He keeps bringing me projects that make my heart sing. Not everything works out, but I’ve been amazed at the opportunities that open up when I submit my work to him in prayer. Every day, I get to make life better for struggling families.

7 Ways to Find God’s Calling Wherever You Are

If you are looking for God’s will for your life for the first time or after a major change, know that God has prepared good works for you to do. Even if you’re in an unexpected or unwelcome place, God can use your personality and situation to breathe life into this broken world (Esther 4 NIV). As you pray for direction, here are some suggestions.

1.) Dwell in the Vine

Spending time reading Scripture and listening for Jesus’ voice is essential to finding God’s will for the next stage. God will not ask you to do something outside of His character or commandments.

2.) Ask God to Order Your Path

Ask the Lord to lead you to the places, people, and conversations that will help you find it. Consider asking Him to close the wrong doors and open the right ones. You may be surprised where He leads. 

3.) Listen for Resonance

I believe God makes each of us with unique skills and personalities for the work He has planned for us. When we encounter the ideas and activities that ring true deep in our souls, it can be a clue to His plan. 

4.) Ask for Favor

Ask God for favor with the people you meet. When Biblical patriarchs and matriarchs traveled to new lands for the first time, this often guided where they settled.

5.) Take the First Step

God often asks us to take the first step without seeing the path. Even when I didn’t know how to do what He asked, taking a tentative step forward opened up a new path.

6.) You Don’t Have to be Good Enough

Growth feels scary sometimes. If we had all the skills and confidence we needed, we wouldn’t need God’s help. Ask Jesus for help.

7.) Be Open to Changing Directions

God doesn’t always take us to where we expect. Be open to whether He wants you to stay or move on. Just look for Him.

An Encouraging Word

If God has been calling you to a new career or a new place, maybe it’s time to take the next step in faith. It may not be what you expect but, Jesus will meet you there (2 Kings 5:9-14; John 9:1-7 NIV).

Meet Meegan

Meegan Dugan Adell is a Christ-follower, mom, wife, and researcher. Her goal is to integrate Jesus’ world-changing words in her life and work daily, although she doesn’t always get it right. While she’ll always consider herself an Iowa girl, she’s found joy and community in the Chicago area since attending North Park University. When she’s not working on projects to help low-income families provide for themselves with dignity, she spends time with her family, cooks, gardens, swims in Lake Michigan, and watches British mysteries.

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Grab a cup of coffee and sit down with these Christian women. They are living with Jesus and invite you to come alongside them for a little Faith Talk.

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