Moses was called when he was 80. That’s when most people have retired! However, that truth reminds me that it’s never too late to be called by God. If you’re wondering about your specific calling, remember — all believers are called to love Jesus, be planted in a local church, win souls, make disciples, read the Bible, and stay away from sin. However, our specific calling typically becomes clear when we keep serving and let God reveal what’s next.

I didn’t find my calling right away. I was “volun-told” by my pastor to help in different areas. But I believe that just like Moses served Jethro, and David delivered cheese to his brothers, God’s calling finds people who are submitted to Him. Here are a few more keys that can help you as you wait for God’s guidance in this area.

1. A Calling Is Discovered, But Our Consecration Is Decided

First off, it’s important to note that there’s a big difference between a career and a calling. Here’s what I mean:

Careers are something you choose; callings are discovered. Careers are natural; callings are supernatural. Careers can change; callings don’t change. Careers are for money; callings are for obedience to God.

Many people treat full-time ministry like a career, and when things get tough, they walk away. But when you’re truly called, quitting isn’t just hard—it’s disobedience. You don’t choose to be a pastor. He calls you. In the Bible we see that Joseph and Esther weren’t in full-time ministry, but they were fully used by God.

However, it’s also important for you to understand that your calling requires character. In Scripture, we see that Moses had an anger problem. He killed a man, broke God’s tablets, and struck the rock. He blamed others.

Until you take responsibility for what comes out of you, God can’t change what’s inside you.

Remember, often it’s those who are the closest to you who expose your character flaws. Think about your spouse, kids, and coworkers. They are your mirror. They didn’t put that in you—they exposed what was already there. Before you can be used by God in your calling, you must allow Him to point out and address these areas. If you don’t let God deal with those flaws, your character will limit your calling.

Character doesn’t determine how fast you rise, but it will determine how long you last.

2. Embrace Suffering If You Want to Be Effective in God’s Service

Next, discovering your calling also means embracing the cost. In Hebrews 11:25, Moses chose “to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin,” teaching us that these often go hand in hand once we are living in our calling.

Suffering in leadership often comes from four places: pressure from your position, pain from people, pushback from the enemy, and personal weakness. It’s not just one thing—it’s the combination that weighs you down.

Early on in my walk, I used to bind the spirit of stress—until the Holy Spirit told me it wasn’t a demon, it was part of my calling. Remember, God doesn’t always remove stress, but He is faithful to increase our strength. Therefore, I encourage you that instead of praying, “God, take this away,” start praying, “God, give me grace to carry it.”

Pressure doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It might mean God is trusting you with more.

3. Go Far to Find Fire

Another key to discovering your calling is going beyond the familiar. Exodus 3:1 says Moses led the flock far into the wilderness, and that’s where he saw the burning bush. For years, Moses did the same thing, but on this day, he went further. That’s where the fire showed up.

Sometimes, fresh fire only comes when you step out in radical obedience. Going far might mean saying yes to a fast, giving away your savings, or facing fears. When God asked me to fast for 40 days, I was terrified—but when I obeyed, God met me with fresh fire. Afterward, our ministry doubled, and it was not because I earned it, but because obedience unlocks breakthroughs.

In other words, if you want more of God, don’t wait for comfort. Go further than before. Obey even when it feels ridiculous—because behind radical obedience are radical miracles.

Yesterday’s revival can’t carry today’s purpose.

4. A True Calling Aligns With God’s Word

As you seek your calling, it’s essential to remember that God will never call you to do something that contradicts His Word. If a “calling” goes against Scripture, it is not from God—no matter how right it may feel or how many people support it. God is not divided against Himself, and His voice will always align with His Word.

Be aware that the enemy also tries to counterfeit callings, leading people into positions or actions that look spiritual but actually oppose God’s design. That’s why staying rooted in Scripture, walking in accountability, and testing every prompting is vital. What looks like an open door may be a trap if it leads you outside God’s truth.

5. God’s Call on Your Life Is an Answer to the Cry of Your Generation

Lastly, and probably the most important thing for you to remember is that the call of God on your life is not about you—it’s about the people God wants to reach through you. Exodus 3:9–10 says, “The cry of the children of Israel has come to Me… I will send you to Pharaoh.”

God’s call for you is His answer to the cry of others.

Years ago I ignored a prompting to share the gospel with a neighbor of mine. Later, I found out he had taken his life. During that time, I remember that I sensed the Lord tell me, “You were My answer to his cry—but you didn’t pick up.” That marked me forever.

When I was 16 and God called me, it wasn’t because I was special. It was because an atheist who overdosed four times was crying out.

God hears those cries. When He calls you, He’s responding to someone’s pain. It’s not about your talent, prayers, or background. It’s about the brokenness God wants to heal through you. When God called Moses, He didn’t say, “I’ve seen your potential.” He said, “I’ve heard their cry.”

Don’t miss your calling—because someone is waiting on your yes.

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** By Vlad Savchuk at Vladimir Savchuk Ministries / Photo by Phan Cuong at Pexels