Freely Speaking with Marge

As a teen, I thought only preachers and missionaries had a “calling” on their life. I also believed that 99 percent of ministers received their calling before age 20. So, I spent my teen years trying to listen for the call. As I prayed, I had some advice for God; if you call me, please don’t make Africa my destination.

That seems comical now. Me telling the God of the entire universe how to do His job. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:7, “…Christ has given each of us special abilities--whatever He wants us to have out of his rich storehouse of gifts” (TLB).

The call came as I approached age 40 and sat alone in a church pew. There was no missionary giving a passionate plea. I have no clue what the pastor talked about, but the Lord spoke to me clearly and called me to be a counselor.

After quickly saying yes, I thought, what does that even look like? I had a degree in journalism and was mid-career at an Air Force base as a supervisor. Over the years, I pondered quitting my job and getting a master’s degree in counseling. It just never worked out.

Have I failed my calling? No. The thing is, when we commit our lives daily to the Lord, he WILL open doors. Trust me when I tell you that with 23 years of supervising, I spent countless hours counseling. One employee had an affair and spent numerous hours in my office. Another didn’t show up for work one day; he was in jail. One was crazy, well, maybe more than one. What helped guide me in these situations was studying God’s word and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

I am so thankful for this beautiful OHSOFREE ministry Darla pioneered so we may all fulfill our calling. We are part of God’s great plan to reach people for the kingdom. What is your calling? Tell us about how God has used you to help others.