Make Every Effort to Confirm Your Calling | 2 Peter 1:10

Today, I started my time with God reading through some of the notes I took several months ago while reading my Bible. I have a notebook that I use to take notes whenever I hear the Word, whether it's during my personal study time, at church, while watching a YouTube video, or reading a book. My notebook is one of my most cherished items. It reflects my journey with God and keeps me accountable to live my life in accordance with what I have already learned about God's way.

A peak into my life: A quick photo after Kam scored 8 points at his basketball game. The final score was 8-0.

Most days during my study time, I start with prayer then I read a few chapters. This time, after my prayer, I started reading my notes. I came to the page I have dedicated to 2 Peter. My notes lifted my spirit so much that I had to open the chapter to read it again, and I came across 2 Peter 1:10:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. 2 Peter 1:10

I don't know about you, but when I read a good Word, I get so excited. I just had to stop right there. I only made it to verse 10 in the first chapter but my reading time was over. I had to simmer on that Scripture and so many thoughts came to mind. My whole entrepreneurship journey flashed before my eyes. I felt the urge to write this blog to you to encourage you as an entrepreneur to "make every effort to confirm your calling and election."

Sometimes, we wonder why there is so much opposition in our lives. While there could be a variety of reasons, what I know for sure through 2 Peter 1:10 is that one reason why we stumble is because we are not where we are called to be. (Wooo! I'm feeling it!)

You're wondering why things are so difficult at your job...why your relationship is always in turmoil...why you're always getting into trouble in your city...or whatever it may be. You're stumbling. And by God's grace, you haven't fallen. While you are still on your feet, you need to make every effort to discover and confirm where God wants you to be.

But you know what, I have a feeling that you already know (or have a good idea) - but it's hard to do, seems unrealistic, or doesn't feel like the right time. When I was in my second year of law school, I had this strong desire to start my law firm right out of law school. Everyone thought I was crazy and advised me to work somewhere first to get experience and save money, then start my firm later on. While that sounded like reasonable advice, the thought of working for someone else made me so uncomfortable. I hated the idea of being nervous to call out if I was sick or needed a day off, someone else dictating my schedule, and all of the other control that comes with being an employee. No shade at all to people who have a traditional job, but I believe God put that disgust for employment in me to guide me towards entrepreneurship.

At that time, I was so drawn to starting my firm right out of law school. It was all I could think of, and I started planning for it while I was still in law school. In my final year of law school, I had absolutely no desire to apply for post-graduation jobs - so I didn't apply to any. Not one job. Sounds crazy. I know. But guess what? I still got an offer 😩. And that little bit of fear I had about starting my firm kicked in, so I took the job.

It lasted a few months, and on the day that I quit, I left the office crying because of how poorly I was treated. It takes a lot for me to cry (outside of when the Holy Spirit hits me). Looking back, I know I was not supposed to be there! I took that job out of fear, and when you make decisions out of fear, it won't work out. The Word teaches us not to fear (Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 118:6, John 14:27, Deuteronomy 31:6, Luke 12:32, Luke 12:7). So when you make a decision out of fear, be prepared to stumble.

Instead of making every effort to confirm my calling (2 Peter 1:10), I made an effort to satisfy my fear. Every effort to confirm my calling would have been to take the faith route and start my firm, being obedient to the career path that God drew me to. For me, every effort was cutting my expenses (including hair, nails, and cable) so that I could have less bills. Every effort was taking out credit cards so that I could have backup to pay my bills. Every effort was writing a book just one year after graduating law school so that I could build my brand as a new lawyer. Every effort was learning how to build my own website so I don't have to pay someone else to do it. The list goes on. I did everything I could think of that gave me the best chance at success at what God put in my heart. And over the past 10 years, I am sure that I have confirmed my calling. I am called to help people out of struggle through entrepreneurship. And the only way I know how to do that is through seeking God first. That's what this website and blog is all about.

So I want to encourage you to make every effort to confirm your calling so that you don't stumble. Keep in mind that not stumbling does not mean that you won't face challenges. The challenges are often a part of God's plan to teach and guide us. The Greek word for "stumble" is ptaiō which means "to err, to make a mistake, to sin, to fall into misery, or to become wretched." A challenge is none of those things, so there's a difference.

When you are where God called you to be, you won't stumble. Now I don't believe anyone can always be where God wants us to be, so we will stumble at times - but we should pay attention to the stumbling as a sign that we need to be redirected. When you stumble, recognize that as a clue that something in your life is outside of God's calling for you. If you're unsure what it is, ask Him. And when you get the answer, be prepared to make that change.

Reflections:

1. What do you believe God has called you to do or be?

2. What will you do today, this week, this month to confirm your calling?

3. Where in your life are you stumbling?

4. What do you need to do (or stop doing) to walk balanced again?