Are you trying to find your calling in life? If so, you’ve clicked on the right blog! 2017 was a year of self discovery for me, especially in the area of figuring out who I am, and how I can use who God created me to be to expand His kingdom. For those that don’t know me, I’m a mechanical engineering student, competition shooter, adrenaline junkie, part time theologian, philosopher, missionary, hunter, entrepreneur, motor cycle rider, adventurer, blogger, and I co-lead a young adult ministry at a small church in Jacksonville.

In my still incomplete journey of figuring out what I should do, I first asked myself “What were you passionate about as a child?” I found the answer to this question to be VERY insightful, and I recommend you start with the same question – God creates us with certain passions that express themselves very early. As a child, I was absolutely enthralled with military history and strategy. Rather than watching cartoons, I watched ‘The Patriot’, all of the World War 2 documentaries I could find on the History channel, and played WW2 video games. It shouldn’t be a surprise that my favorite hobby is shooting competitively, and that my favorite books are about military leaders – Caesar, Napoleon, and Teddy Roosevelt.

Next, you should ask yourself “What am I good at?” You can be passionate about something, but if you’re not good at it, it is probably not your ultimate calling. For example, I’m passionate about the gospel and ministry. The Bible is fascinating for me to study. But, I simply would make a terrible pastor. I cannot think of anything more torturous than having to spend hours emotionally consoling somebody, I am not a lover.  Naturally, I am more of a challenger and fighter. I love people, just in a different way. This doesn’t mean I can’t bring value to a ministry, I’m just better in different areas of ministry like missions, bible study/teaching, and the financial side of things. You can be passionate about something, but it doesn’t mean you’re good at it or called to it.

Related Post: Your Passion Defines Your Purpose

Ask yourself “If money were no object, what would I do?” Would you travel? Go on missions trips? Go into full time ministry? Join the military? Many of us are tied down by finances into jobs or pursuits that we really aren’t interested in. Ask yourself, if I were free from finances, what would I do?

Finally, reconcile the three. Once you have figured out what you’re passionate about, what you’re good at, and freed yourself from financial barriers, you are well on your way to your calling. For me, the answer was clear. After some prayer and meditation, I realized that I’m passionate about military and law enforcement. I’m really good at shooting, tactics, and strategy. If I could do anything regardless of money – those passions and skills would be central to what I’d do! What are you passionate about, good at, and could see yourself doing for a long time? While money does matter, you simply cannot put a price on what makes you happy.  You cannot put a price on God’s calling for your life. God will provide finances, all you have to do is walk on His path and in your calling.

Be generous too, but that’s for next month’s blog.