Somehow we have lost the biblical pattern of a calling. Calling, in Paul’s writing, is not about an assignment to a ministry be it senior leader, youth, worship, etc. In Ephesians 4, Paul challenges the body to live worthy of their calling which is clearly the Ephesians 1-3. Calling would not be limited to specific assignments but something every member was being stirred to live.
Assignments are a factor in calling. Our challenge is that we have been so formed by our culture of success that we understand assignments as reflecting our level of sacred trust. It is true that assignments do reflect sacred trust. However, it is not true that assignments can be measured by size. Isaiah’s assignment would not have been measurable. Paul’s assignment was never to plant a mega church. Mary’s assignment, while being critical, would have been hidden from most.
Leaders can have the tendency to go to assignments to experience confidence, feeling better about ourselves when our assignment is larger. However, when a leader is given an assignment from the Lord, confidence has been expressed by the Lord even if no one sees, celebrates or cares. Confidence is not in the momentum, strategy or leadership personality but in the personal flow of God’s blessing that flows when the leader has been in the Presence of the Most High. That sense of Presence empowers courage, blessing and fortitude that plays to the audience of the Father.
The Lord is looking for men and women who can hear His voice and willingly receive assignments that are challenging, often out of the spotlight and yet passionate for the Kingdom. You may live and serve out of the spotlights of the world, but you are seen and celebrated by Jesus.