Do you yearn to discover the unique divine calling that God has for your life? 

Or sometime in the past, did you think you knew what your divine calling was, but now you’re confused, burned-out, discouraged, or bored? 

Or maybe you’re basking in the sweet spot of your divine calling, making a difference, and enjoying the ride! 

Whatever your current perspective, learn how to STOKE THE FIRE for your divine calling!

I LOVE A GOOD FIRE! … And no, I am NOT a pyromaniac!  🙂

My husband and I love a rousing game of backyard volleyball at the end of the workday. After the game, as daylight wanes, everyone gathers around a campfire to devour a gourmet meal, compliments of Oscar Mayer and Frito Lay! We fill our tummies, the sun sets, and we sink into folding chairs around the fire pit. Soon we are hypnotized by the dancing flames, and by the crackles, pops, and whistles of the fire-music. Conversation slows, and the murmur of fellowship is sweet. As the fire fades to glowing coals, we break out the s’mores for some melted chocolate bliss!!!

The images and sounds of a softly crackling campfire, a roaring bonfire, and a bed of glowing coals, closely parallel the three stages of finding and following your divine calling:

THREE STAGES OF THE DIVINE CALLING CYCLE:

1. THE WARM-UP STAGE (The Crackling Campfire)

What the warm-up stage is like:

• You yearn to know what your divine calling is.
• You may or may not yet believe that God has an exciting purpose for your life.
• During this stage, you need inspiration and guidance for finding your divine calling.

How to grow during the warm-up stage:

• Inspiring Scripture for this stage: “Itis in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” (Ephesians 1:11)
• Tony Stoltzfus’ books: A Leader’s Life Purpose (great for anyone, whether you consider yourself to be a leader or not!) and Tony’s book The Calling Journey (probably best for people over 45)

2. THE FIRE-UP STAGE (The Roaring Bonfire)

What the fire-up stage is like:

• You are in the sweet spot of your divine calling!
• You are making a difference, and you are enjoying the ride!
• During this stage, you need help juggling everyday life as you savor the sweet spot of your divine calling!

How to thrive during the fire-up stage:

• Inspiring Scripture for this stage: “Heream I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
• Nick Vujicic’s book: Life Without Limits

3. THE FUEL-UP STAGE (The Glowing Coals)

What the fuel-up stage is like:

• You thought you knew what your divine calling is. But now you feel burned-out, confused, discouraged, disillusioned, or just plain blah.
• During this stage, you long to to re-stoke the fires of your divine calling.

How to stay strong during the fuel-up stage:

• Encouraging Scripture for this stage: “Hewho began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (Philippians 1:6)
• Ruth Haley Barton’s book: Sacred Rhythms

Where are you in this Divine Calling Cycle?

Which of the above three descriptions best fits you?

EVERYONE who is serious about divine calling cycles through ALL of these stages! And EVERYONE cycles through them several times, sometimes in reverse order! So you are not alone in your struggles! The key is to recognize where you are in the cycle, and learn how to flourish there!

Regardless of where you are in your divine calling, consider the Next Steps below:

• Pray, and ask God to show you where you are in the Divine Calling Cycle. He is the One who gives and empowers divine calling.
• Talk with people you know who are living their own divine calling.
• Read one of the resources recommended above.

Feel free to comment or ask questions below.

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