“I know God has a plan, but what is God’s plan for me??” This is a question that I hear repeated again and again from people who want to be stronger in their Christian faith. There are several different ways to approach this question. On one level, the answer is not that difficult to find, because we have the gift of God’s Word. I have found that the Bible is either seen as the most intimidating and “boring” book or it is the most loved possession for people. There are very few who fall in between these two camps of thought when they think about the Scripture and it is a matter of the heart.

So what do I mean when I say that the answer is not that difficult to find? Well, when I think about God’s role for me as a husband and a father, the Scripture provides God’s will for me in black and white. It is the same for you as well: to be a Godly husband and a Godly father—unless you’re a women, then God’s plan differs just a little : ) Of course if I never read or study the Bible, then I will always ask, “What does God want me to do as a father?” Instead of always wondering, we get to look up the answer in a manual that we all share as the foundation for our beliefs as Christians!

On the other hand, finding our “calling” requires a little more effort on our part. I have answered this question differently over the years, but I heard the speaker for our men’s retreat explain it in a way that I had not heard this past weekend. Brett Clemmens with Man In the Mirror Ministries said that our calling is the intersection of our opportunities, gifts, and beliefs. Think about this: your opportunity + your abilities + your beliefs = your calling. This is a great formula for us to use to determine what God has in store for us. What is it that you are skilled for? What opportunities do you have to put these talents or skills to good use? What do you believe? Many times we say two out of three ain’t bad and run with whatever two we can live with, but then we end up running on empty in all areas of our lives.

If you are asking yourself “What is God’s Will for my life??” then start by reading and studying. You’ll be amazed at how much light the Bible will shed on your frustration and this will also help you as you hone your beliefs as 1/3 of this formula. You don’t have to read alone. In fact, many industries have opportunities for Bible study and reflection for your specific career. One such example in which at least one member of Denver UMC participates is called Convene. Then, after reading and studying, spend some time in prayer over this new formula. How are you hard-wired? What do you like? What are you passionate about? What skills did God give you? What opportunities are there in front of you? Can you still do what you are doing now and be true to your beliefs? Through this wresting and meditation, you will discover God’s Will for your life. But just a tip…the reading and study should never end.