Following God's lead

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Following God’s Lead

Finding Your Calling

Calling at Southern

As Christians, God calls us to a deeper life experience, one that prioritizes recognizing and accepting His plans for our lives. Only then will we find true contentment and satisfaction, with or without fame and fortune.

Students at Southern Adventist University are discovering their passions and shaping them into lives of purpose, driven by the will of God. Mission trips, service opportunities, internships, caring mentors, like-minded friends, and much more contribute to this experience, but the process doesn’t stop with graduation.

Each of us, at any stage in life, can experience the joy of stepping into God’s purpose. When we are open to His leading, He uses many different ways to nudge and direct us. Friends or family members may point out our natural talents, or perhaps a volunteer opportunity in a different field brings unexpected joy. However He speaks to you, accepting His calling will open the door to eternal possibilities.

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10-11 NIV

A Biblical Foundation to Discover God's Circle of Calling for Your Life

A guide to exploring your calling from God

Calling is defined as a transcendent summons, finding meaning in a job, and making a difference in society. A majority of college students are concerned about calling and their careers. Some are concerned that they do not fully understand the origin of calling or what they are called to do. A student’s philosophy of calling influences their choice of careers. Sometimes choose a job for reasons such as prestige or pay which may narrow their view and limit their choices. An absence of a theology of vocation leaves many students with no idea of how their faith connects to their life work. Clarity is needed about matching their gifts to their vocation. Recognizing the voice of God and a willingness to listen reconnects the link between faith and career. A biblical world view or philosophy of calling is developed by exploring the origin of work at creation and using Bible characters’ experiences. Calling is actually a journey and not a destination that students can evaluate using steps in the Circle of Calling that is introduced. Increased awareness of calling through mentoring on an Adventist college campus can assist students in discovery of the biblical basis for God’s Circle of Calling. Practical examples of raising this awareness are given.

A guide to exploring your calling from God

The concept of calling has been around for centuries and has been explored in various fields, from philosophy to theology to psychology. In the context of Christianity, calling refers to a sense of purpose and direction that comes from God. It is the belief that God has a specific plan for each person's life and that discovering and fulfilling this plan brings ultimate fulfillment and joy.

So, what does it mean to find God's calling for your life? Here are four steps to guide you:

Seek God through prayer and study of His Word. The first step in discovering your calling is to seek God. Spend time in prayer, asking Him to reveal His plan for your life. Study the Bible to understand God's character and what He desires for His people. John 10:27
Consider your passions and talents. God often uses our passions and talents to guide us in our calling. Think about the things that bring you joy and the skills you have been given. How can you use them to serve others and bring glory to God? 1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8
Seek wise counsel from trusted friends and mentors. Sometimes it can be difficult to see our own strengths and weaknesses clearly. Seek advice from people you trust, who know you well, and who can offer insight into your strengths and where you may be best suited to serve. Proverbs 15:22, Hebrews 10:24-25
Be open to opportunities and willing to take risks. Finally, discovering your calling requires a willingness to step out in faith and take risks. Be open to opportunities that come your way, even if they don't fit into your preconceived idea of what your calling should be. Trust that God will guide you and that His plan for your life is good. Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 27:14

In summary, finding God's calling for your life is a journey that requires seeking God, considering your passions and talents, seeking wise counsel, and being open to opportunities. Remember, your calling is not about achieving success or gaining recognition, but about serving God and others with the unique gifts and abilities He has given you. May we all seek to discover and fulfill God's calling on our lives.

Read the complete guide

Melanie Ramirez

During her freshman year at Southern, biology major Melanie Ramirez went on her first uQuest mission trip to Egypt, and it blew her mind. She kept going on mission trips—three per year—until she decided to dedicate an entire year to missions. As a student missionary in Zambia, she worked in a medical clinic, falling in love with every aspect of the job. One patient even named her new baby after Melanie because of her assistance with the delivery. “Southern really introduced me to my love for missions,” said Melanie, now a senior. “It’s what God wants me to do, and I’m really excited for the future, because there are so many opportunities.”

Joseph Hyde

Joseph Hyde, senior mass communication major, hated taking piano lessons as a child, but in high school something clicked, and he fell in love with music. That passion is obvious on Sabbath mornings as Joseph joins other musicians in leading praise and worship at the Merge multicultural service in Southern’s Lynn Wood Hall Chapel. “It’s fun to be able to minister to students on campus,” he said. “I’ve met so many people through this ministry, and I like how it’s brought me closer to other students, built friendships, and allowed me to learn about different people as well.”

Dennis Li

In 2016, Dennis Li uprooted his family from China and moved to the U.S. to pursue a theology degree at Southern. He quickly realized that “God sent us to this country to do more than complete a degree.” He felt called to start a Chinese church on campus, which quickly grew into an international congregation of nearly 130 and transitioned to a facility provided by the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. After graduating in December 2019, Dennis continues to lead the group, saying “our goal is to open our arms wide and welcome anyone to worship with us.”

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6