Follow Me: Timeless Leadership LessonsSample

KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING

“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Paul had remarkable clarity about his calling. He didn’t determine or develop it. Rather, he discovered it. Paul didn’t have to start from scratch; God already had something in mind. That’s not to say that God had every detail already mapped out. (Beware of that thinking; it can paralyze you.) God did, however, have a mission in mind for Paul. I believe that’s the case for you too. You don’t have to develop it, but you do have to discover it.

That’s good news, and it gets even better. God doesn’t want to keep His thoughts, ideas, purpose, and calling a secret from you. He wants you to know Him and His calling even more than you do. If you’re listening, He’ll speak—sometimes through His Word, sometimes through His Spirit nudging your heart, sometimes through unexpected conversations or seemingly random circumstances. 

You may not gain the same level of clarity that Paul had. Jesus is probably not going to show up with blinding light and turn-by-turn directions. The leaders at your church may not lay their hands on you and send you packing. But that’s okay! You don’t need to wait for the level of clarity or the specific communication that Paul received. Do you know why? Because you have already received more than Paul ever did! You have more divine revelation at your fingertips than anyone in the first century. You have the completed Scriptures, centuries of role models, and a growing global community of God’s people. You have all you need to get the direction you need.

God has revealed more than enough of Himself and His will for us to understand what we are here for. You are here for a reason. God has a purpose. And He doesn’t want to keep that a secret! So ask, listen, and follow.

REFLECT

• As you look back, how have you seen God at work in your life?
• As you look ahead, what do you think He is calling you to pursue?