A couple nights ago I posted about the importance of obedience when God calls us to do something.
It led me to a question I've pondered since then: How can we know what God is calling us to do? I found myself looking to the first two chapters of Nehemiah for an example.
When Nehemiah found out that the city of Jerusalem had been destroyed, he was overcome with grief.
He cried over the news, fasted, and prayed for the situation, but he didn't stop there; he took it a step further.
When in the presence of the King, Nehemiah asked if he could be the one to travel back to rebuild the city. He not only asked to go, he asked the King to supply him with the things necessary to be successful.
So how can we discern God's purpose for our lives? A good question to begin with as we seek His purpose may be, "What breaks my heart?"
Nehemiah took what broke his heart, prayed, and asked if he could be the one to lead the charge.
He turned his misery into his ministry.
What breaks your heart? Ask God to give you the opportunity to make a difference and the tools necessary to succeed, and then step out in obedience. Turn your misery into your ministry.
Don't worry if you feel inadequate; the Bible is full of imperfect people who stepped out despite their inadequacies. Remember God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.