Do you feel like God is calling you? What does it even mean to be “called” anyway? What if you feel unqualified to ever do anything significant for God? Do you wrestle with feeling confident to walk in your God-given calling?
Do you struggle with impostor syndrome in the back of your head telling you that you can’t actually live the life God is calling you to? Do you fear your calling? Does it feel too big for you to achieve? Does it ever feel like maybe someone else should do it instead of you?
If you’ve ever asked any of these questions, I want you to know, you can walk confidently in your calling even when you feel unqualified. Yes, even when you have a million reasons for why you’re not good enough. Even if you’re not entirely sure what it is.
When Daniel Krebs, the author of Defining the Call, reached out to me, I was hesitant about reading his book. It was for people with a special calling on their lives, not me. But, there was so much God wanted to speak to me about through the book and as soon as I opened the first few pages, I realized what it was.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free to share my honest thoughts. All my opinions are completely my own and I received no payment or compensation for writing this article.
While the book dives into a lot, I want to focus on a few points from the section on the life of Moses since I think it can be really applicable for the woman who feels unqualified to walk in her calling.
Moses Felt Unqualified to Walk in his Calling
I can relate to Moses. The Bible says he had a stutter and felt like he couldn’t speak well, let alone command a whole Pharaoh to let God’s people go. I can relate because I struggle with social anxiety and being in social settings typically make me uncomfortable. I’m not exaggerating when I say this: when I was little I only spoke to my immediate family and communicated with everyone else through head nods, symbols, and when I really had to, I used as little words as possible.
What I learned from the life of Moses is that God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
“Moses knew that anything he was going to accomplish for these people had to come from God, because in himself, Moses could accomplish nothing.”
Daniel Krebs, Defining the Call
That’s the thing. When you feel unqualified, you’re in a better position than the people who believe they have it all together because, if done the right way, you see God as your ultimate source and you recognize that you really can’t do it on your own.
What if I don’t know exactly what my calling is or where God is leading me?
When God called Moses, he told him to speak to Pharoah and free the people. Moses had no idea that he would eventually become the leader of a growing nation! You might not know where God is leading you but walking in your calling is not always about having a specific destination – it’s about choosing to go wherever God wants you to.
Three tips from the book to help you walk in your calling even if you feel unqualified:
1. Walk in God’s Timing, Not Your Own
“God moves in his timing, not yours. He’s never late, but He is usually not early either.”
Joyce Meyer, Ending Your Day Right
God called Moses to set the Israelites free but he didn’t just send him out right away. There was a long period of preparation where Moses wasn’t even in Egypt. You might not feel qualified when God calls you, but don’t worry about that. All you need to do is be open to him preparing you, he does a pretty good job at that.
The waiting season is never usually easy. It comes with a lot of struggle and sometimes a lot of pain, but it’s worth it if you want to grow into the woman God is calling you to be. God might have given you an amazing dream but sometimes he’ll have you wait before sharing it with the world. That’s because he wants to grow and develop the dream so that when it’s out there, it’s as impactful as it was meant to be.
2. “Go for No”
“Yes is a destination, No is how you get here.”
Daniel Krebs, Defining the Call
Failing and failure are two different things. Unfortunately, you’re bound to experience rejection or hear the word “no” a few times if you’re called. Don’t let rejection make you feel like you weren’t called in the first place. Pharoah rejected Moses’ request many times. He refused to let the people go. That doesn’t mean that Moses wasn’t called. In the same way, just because people reject you or don’t like what you’re doing doesn’t mean that you’re not called.
“We are not trying to impress the world with what we are offering, because we are not offering a product or experience, but rather, we are giving a message; the only message!
Daniel Krebs, Defining the Call
Simply put, you’re not here to impress anyone. You’re here to follow Jesus as he leads you. People may not be impressed but as long as God is pleased, you’re okay.
3. Go Deep with God – Even if you have to go alone
“When it comes to the called, you will never be able to give and teach what you yourself haven’t been given by God.”
Daniel Krebs, Defining the Call
This next point is solid gold. It’s so important to spend time with God because he is our source. He’s the one who fills us up. If you feel unqualified, go to him, he’ll give you exactly what you need to accomplish the purpose he has for you.
You can’t pour from an empty cup, so if you don’t go to God for constant refreshing, you’ll always feel unqualified. Spend time in his presence and get to know his heart. Sometimes it’ll be alone, that’s okay. If you’re curious about how to develop a deeper relationship with God, read this article.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations on Defining the Call
This book blessed me, encouraged me, and taught me so much. I learned so much through the story of the author’s own life, as well as his explanation on the lives of Moses, Daniel, and Joseph. If you feel like God is calling you to something more, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. It has so many gems and nuggets of truth in it. You won’t want to stop highlighting.
I’ll wrap up by saying, a calling isn’t just for “some” people. God calls anyone he wants to. The Bible says he’s no respecter of persons. So, if you’re reading this feeling like, “No this couldn’t possibly apply to me,” prayerfully reconsider. Maybe God led you to this article for a reason.
Here’s how to connect with Daniel Krebs and pick up a copy of his book:
- To purchase the book: https://www.definingthecall.org
- Visit his website: https://www.danielkrebs.net
- Connect with him on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PastorDanKrebs/
- Follow him on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkrebscoaching
Sounds like a great book, that will speak to the hearts of many. Hopefully give many the courage to step out in their calling and be used by God. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 8)
amen! Thank you for reading! It was a great book and I highly recommend it!
This was just what I needed today! Thanks for the encouragement:) “People may not be impressed, but as long as God is pleased, you’re okay.”…my favorite quote in the article…because it’s sooo true!
Amen! Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts Sunshyne!
Thank you so much for this article. I have been struggling of late. I can look back over my life and see the beauty of how God has been preparing me for my calling of being an artist-to create beauty to put out into the world. I do private shows for a party planner at a five star resort and sell on line. Although people genuinely seem to like my work, the sales have not been enough to pay my expenses, much less a paycheck. I have been so discouraged and not really sure how I should proceed. I continue to be in prayer realizing that God is still very much in the picture, working behind the scenes to prepare the way before for me. I pray for His loving guidance that I might do His will for me.. Waiting is the hardest part, the uncertainty of how to proceed. I want to increase the Master’s talents, to please Him.
Your reassurance that a calling is not necessarily easy and has some bumpy spots helps to give me the strength to keep my faith in this calling God has given me and the resolve to patiently wait upon Him to reveal the next step. Thank you and may Our Great and Holy God bless you in your endeavors.
I’m glad this was helpful for you, Trish! May God continue to strengthen your faith and give you direction and guidance for each step of your life!