Know Your Calling

The Key to Standing Firm in Faith When Challenges Arise

In the work of medical ministry, there is a call that goes far beyond the duties of caring for the sick. It is a call from God Himself, a summons to join Him in the sacred work of restoration—restoring not only physical health but also the spiritual and emotional well-being of those entrusted to our care. Yet, knowing that call requires more than simply stepping into a position; it requires hearing from God, understanding His will, and letting conviction settle so deeply within our hearts that no trial or opposition can shake us from our purpose.

Each of us is called to a unique work. The pastor and physician, though their roles differ, share a unified mission. They are called to be instruments of healing, to work hand in hand, offering hope, care, and salvation to those they serve. But this work is not without its trials, and it is essential to know the source of our calling if we are to endure.

How do we know our calling? Scripture tells us that God speaks through His Word, through prayer, through the providence of His guidance, and through godly counsel. These are the avenues by which God confirms His calling in our lives, and we must hold firmly to these when our path grows difficult. Our purpose must be so clear, so internalized, that when we face opposition, we do not falter.

The greatest challenges will likely not come from distant enemies but from those closest to us. Just as Job’s wife, echoing the very words of Satan, encouraged him to “curse God and die,” we may find that discouragement comes from well-meaning friends and even fellow believers. It is in these moments, when doubt and confusion seek to unseat our faith, that knowing God’s calling becomes our anchor.

I recall a conversation I had with a close friend who had witnessed the struggles I faced in my ministry. He saw how difficult it was to navigate the resistance, the personal attacks, and the overwhelming burden of the work. He advised me to step away, to take a break from ministry. But his words, though meant in kindness, missed the point. I explained to him that my perseverance was not born of convenience or ease; it was driven by the knowledge of God’s calling. The Lord had placed me in this position, and until He released me, I could not step down.

I had prayed, wept, and sought God’s will repeatedly, and each time, He reaffirmed my calling. When my friend responded by suggesting that perhaps I was only imagining God’s call, I could stand unshaken. To follow my friend’s recommendation would be to heed the voice of man in opposition to God, who had put me where I was. No matter how uncomfortable or hard it was to continue, I had heard God’s voice clearly, and that certainty shielded me from discouragement.

This is why it is so critical to know our calling directly from God. We must be able to stand firm in the face of doubt, whether it comes from within ourselves or from those around us. We cannot afford to question the work to which God has called us because the stakes are far too high.

We can look to the story of Moses for further insight. He was chosen by God to lead the Israelites, but his leadership was constantly challenged. The people he served were often jealous, suspicious, and even slanderous. The burdens of leadership were heavy, far more difficult than his previous life as a humble shepherd. Yet, Moses did not abandon his post. He knew he had been called by God, and he would not step down until God Himself dismissed him. Moses’ story reminds us that when we are sure of our calling, we dare not lay down our responsibilities simply because the way is hard.

Satan works tirelessly to undermine those who are called by God. He will sow seeds of doubt, jealousy, and distrust, using those closest to us to bring us down. It is his goal to drive us from our post, to see us give up when the weight of our task feels unbearable. But if we are certain of our calling, we will resist his schemes. We will stand firm, knowing that God is our strength and that He will sustain us through every trial.

Consider also the story of Abraham, who was called to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. This was a test beyond human understanding—a request that seemed to contradict everything Abraham knew about God’s character. Yet Abraham, having walked with God for decades, knew the voice of his Lord. Even when faced with the most heart-wrenching command, he obeyed, trusting that God would provide. And indeed, at the last moment, God intervened, sparing Isaac and confirming Abraham’s faith.

Abraham’s unwavering obedience stands as a beacon for all of us. He did not try to reason his way out of the trial. He did not let his love for his son overshadow his trust in God. He knew that if God commanded, then God would provide. This is the kind of certainty we must have in our own calling. We must trust that when God calls us to a difficult path, He will provide the strength, the resources, and the grace we need to fulfill it.

So, I urge you today to seek out your calling. Spend time in scripture, in prayer, and seek godly counsel. Allow God to confirm His purpose in your life so clearly that conviction lays hold of your soul. Let that conviction be your anchor in times of trial. When discouragement comes, when opposition arises from unexpected places, you will not be shaken because you will know that you are doing the work of the Lord.

God has called you for a purpose. Find that purpose, cling to it, and rely on Him for the strength to see it through to the end. When you are sure of your calling, no trial, no attack, no discouragement will be able to pull you away from the work that God has entrusted to you. Trust in Him, and He will carry you through every test.

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