The Calling

Day 2

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (ESV)

              God called me to teach; I know this one hundred percent. Part of answering the call was becoming equipped by pursuing a degree in education. Classroom management, diversity, children’s literature, data analysis, math, science, social studies, English, and English as a second language. This is just a sampling of the classes I took to earn my elementary education degree. Some of the classes I enjoyed, others gave me pertinent knowledge, and then many were a waste of time. But there was one course that finished equipping me for the call: Final Internship.

              Excited and scared, I showed up for pre-planning and met with my cooperating teacher. My mouth refused to function properly and questions came out as unprocessed stutters. Thankfully, my assigned teacher was a long-time veteran and knew about nerves. She gave me tasks to prepare for that night’s open house and we worked together rather quietly.

              Mrs. D. was quiet most of the time. For sixteen weeks there was little extra conversation, but I came to understand that she was simply a quiet person. Every few weeks, she allowed me to take over different subjects in the classroom. Sometimes she remained with me other times she completed tasks elsewhere on campus.

              I enjoyed teaching and interacting with the kids. Until Mrs. D. took a firm stand with a student and made them cry. I had already learned that discipline was vital in her classroom and she was no nonsense, but this particular instance seemed extreme. After school, I asked her about it and she told me, “We aren’t supposed to be their friends. We must be the teachers.”

              But I wanted to be their friend. I wanted them to like me.     

The following week, her words echoed in my mind as I was standing firm with a student during science class. Normally Mrs. D. intervened, but this time I knew it was up to me. I breathed deeply and confronted the situation; with fairness and consistency might I add. It was the first time I made a student cry. And I hated it.

              I went home, curled into my recliner, and cried. Teaching wasn’t supposed to feel like this. Answering God’s call on my life wasn’t supposed to hurt. I didn’t sign up for this.

              Sometimes our calling takes a turn we never expected. I knew without a doubt God called me to become a classroom teacher; there were too many pieces that fell into place along the way. I thought teaching was all about the fun lessons, engaging conversations, and exciting discoveries. But discipline, structure, consistency, and follow-through were just as important.

              Looking back, I’m grateful for this lesson early in my career. I’ve made plenty of kids cry along the way, maybe even a few adults. But the biggest takeaway is learning to trust God in the ups, downs, and zigzags. If he calls, our answer is yes; we just have to hang on for the ride.

Do the Heart Work

1.      When did you know God was calling you to teach?

2.      What surprises you most about where God has called you? Why?

3.      What’s the hardest part about accepting God’s call?

Digging Deeper

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-14 (ESV)

              Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.

Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.

And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”

              Samuel’s call by God made his assignment hard. He was to share the message with his spiritual leader, even though the words were not easy to deliver. His call as a mighty prophet began that day, a role God continually equipped him for. God never calls us then leaves us hanging if we are obeying his directions.

If You Get Spare Time 

              The call to teach comes as the second call to God that we answer, the first being the call to salvation. If you never answered the first call, what’s stopping you? Each of us is created with a God-shaped void just waiting to be occupied by the Savior of this world. If you need guidance, see the appendix section labeled Salvation.