I came up with the idea to write this particular blog while in the shower. It was there in the shower that God began to soothe and calm my fears regarding a new assignment that He has placed heavy on my heart. This new assignment is different from the other tasks I have fulfilled, and on sunny days I am bursting with excitement at the prospect and other days, I wonder incredulously and a bit fearfully, 'God, have you really called me to this?"
As I stood in the shower, God began to remind me of three different assignments He had called me to in the past, and how in every circumstance, He had given me the victory. As I remembered the obstacles and circumstances surrounding each situation, I relaxed with relief in knowing that just as God was with me then He is certainly with me now. In fact, God gives us clues in every situation to confirm and demonstrate that: Yes, He is with us and Yes, He is in "it" (the task and assignment He is calling us to.)
As we move forward in this year, there are many who will birth new ministries, businesses, churches, and organizations. This was confirmed by my spiritual mother, Apostle Barbara McClain recently, on a prayer line. God is pouring out new wine and breathing inspiration over His people. Creativity and witty inventions and ideas are coming forth, so think it not strange when God calls you to do something new and something you have never done before. There are many clues to determine if God has called you to a specific task or not, and I have shared a few:
Clue 1 - God Provides for the Vision:
Perhaps, God is calling you to launch a new church, organization or to start a business, yet you aren't sure how you will get the money to accomplish such a task. One thing I have learned, especially over the past five years is that: God always provides for His vision. A major clue to understanding if God has called you to something is looking at the provision. Beware: God's provision may not come the way you thought it would or how you think it should, but it will always be there.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." - Phil 4:19
"So do not worry saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. - Matthew 6:31-32
Clue 2 - You Are Anointed For the Hard Stuff:
When God has called you to an assignment He gives you the strength and determination to complete the task even when it seems unbearably difficult. I heard Joyce Meyer a few years ago, explain that God's anointing is what allows us to do the hard stuff. Despite the obstacles, pitfalls, detractors, and naysayers, you know God has called you to a particular assignment and is standing with you when you find yourself having supernatural strength to do what is hard or impossible by other people.
Clue 3 - Your New Assignment is An Answered Prayer:
The new task God has called me to I realize is the result of a prayer I prayed many years ago. I had witnessed a problem and cried out to God asking Him to use me to solve the problem. Imagine that.....five years later I would be incredulously asking God in the shower,
"Are you sure you are calling ME?"
Your clue for knowing that God has called you to a particular task or assignment is if it's the result of a prayer request or the response to a burden that God has placed on your heart. If you prayed it, and now God is prompting you to action, you can believe that God is in it!
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4
Clue 4 - God Gives You Victory Over Every Obstacle
When I first ran for political office at the age of 26 for the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, I had many people tell me it was impossible to win. I was running for an empty seat in a prominent district in the downtown corridor of St. Louis and the political machine had already made the decision to back a different candidate. Despite the opposition, the repeated attempts by many to get me to drop out of the race; the Lord gave me peace, strength and courage to work hard and win the elected position. When God calls you to an assignment, He gives you the power and victory to overcome all obstacles and hinderances; and will use those obstacles to strengthen you in Him.
"Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." - James 1:2-3
Clue 5 - The Assignment Becomes Bigger Than You
When God called me to begin offering encouraging messages under the social media handle, Inspired Overflow I figured this would just be a simple way to encourage God's people. I had no idea that those tweets and Facebook messages would expand to a weekly Christian broadcast that is heard all over the country and where videos of the broadcast are downloaded all over the internet. Rest assured, when God is in it, the vision expands beyond just you to impact His Kingdom. Oftentimes, God does not reveal His whole purpose or plan which is why it is so important to be obedient and do what He has called you to. There is a larger purpose at stake based upon your obedience and willingness to step out in faith.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." - 1 Cor 2:9
There are so many other "clues" that we can look for to determine and confirm if God is really calling us to a new task or assignment. I have simply listed a few. What are some other ways God has led you to step out and do something new? Share your experience in the comments section. I would love to hear your testimony!
Kacie Starr Long is an author, talk show host and the proud wife of Alfred T. Long Sr. When not writing, Kacie enjoys sewing. She is the founder of Sew Hope, a sewing school for previously incarcerated men and women. Connect with Kacie at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via her YouTube page for more inspiration and encouragement.