Chapter 6: How to Find Your Calling
Finding your calling in life is not always a straightforward path. In fact, it can often feel elusive. As we explore the process of discerning one’s calling, it’s important to remember that calling isn’t solely about discovering a job or career—it's about uncovering a deeper purpose and aligning our lives with that divine intention. In this chapter, we will dive deep into the 12 Paths of Israel, explored in the previous chapter, and combine them with a structured framework to help you find your calling. Ultimately, the aim is to identify not just what you do, but why you do it, and how it connects to God’s greater purpose for your life.
Understanding the 12 Paths of Israel
Before we begin the journey of finding your calling, we must first recognize that each of us is uniquely designed. The 12 Tribes of Israel in the Bible give us a rich metaphor for understanding different paths and gifts that God has distributed among people. These tribes were not only the physical descendants of Israel but represented different aspects of human calling, reflecting a diversity of strengths, weaknesses, and divine purposes. Each tribe had its own identity, yet all played vital roles in God’s greater plan. When considering your calling, think of these paths as different expressions of God’s will working through His people.
Here’s a brief overview of each of the 12 Tribes and how they can be understood as metaphorical paths to discovering your calling:
- Reuben – The Path of Reflection and Leadership
Reuben’s path exemplifies the role of being a leader and protector. If you are someone who feels deeply for justice, leadership, and moral responsibility, the path of Reuben may resonate with you. This path calls you to lead with humility, making difficult decisions that honor both God and His people. - Simeon – The Path of Passion and Zeal
Simeon represents those who are intensely passionate about defending the truth. Their zeal often leads them to fight for righteousness, and they are driven by a deep sense of moral outrage when they see injustice or dishonor. This path is for those who feel compelled to stand up for what’s right, no matter the cost. - Levi – The Path of Service and Dedication
The Levites were chosen for service in the temple, signifying a calling for those who are deeply dedicated to serving others. If you feel drawn to the ministry or are passionate about providing support to others in a very real, tangible way, this path may align with your calling. - Judah – The Path of Leadership and Vision
Judah was blessed with the responsibility of leading the people and carrying the royal line. For those whose calling involves strategic thinking, visionary leadership, or creating a legacy, the path of Judah invites you to lead with boldness and conviction. - Dan – The Path of Justice and Judgment
Dan’s path is that of a judge, someone who ensures that justice is done. If you have a strong sense of right and wrong and feel called to bring fairness to situations, whether through legal work, social justice activism, or advocacy, this path may resonate with you. - Naphtali – The Path of Diplomacy and Peace
Naphtali represents those who are gifted in negotiation, communication, and bringing peace between opposing sides. If you feel called to bridge gaps, work in mediation, or foster unity among divided groups, you may find this path aligned with your calling. - Gad – The Path of Courage and Protection
Gad’s path is one of bravery and protection. If you are someone who feels a calling to defend the vulnerable, whether through physical protection, standing up for the oppressed, or in roles that require immense courage, the tribe of Gad provides a model for this calling. - Asher – The Path of Abundance and Generosity
The tribe of Asher is associated with abundance and prosperity. If you feel called to create wealth and share it generously, or if you are passionate about the practical application of wealth for the common good, the path of Asher might speak to your heart. - Issachar – The Path of Wisdom and Understanding
Issachar represents wisdom and understanding. If you are someone who thrives on learning, studying, and offering insights to others, this path calls you to use your knowledge for the greater good, to provide clarity in times of confusion. - Zebulun – The Path of Commerce and Trade
The tribe of Zebulun was involved in trade and maritime activities, symbolizing those who are called to the business world or global enterprises. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit or feel a pull towards the marketplace, this path might reflect your divine calling. - Joseph – The Path of Dreams and Influence
Joseph’s path exemplifies the dreams of greatness and the endurance required to realize them. If you feel that you are called to create something grand, whether through artistic work, innovation, or pioneering efforts, the path of Joseph encourages you to follow those dreams with resilience. - Benjamin – The Path of Intimacy and Family
Benjamin’s tribe represents those who are called to nurture close, intimate relationships and protect the family. If you feel a deep sense of responsibility to build strong relationships and communities, your calling might involve supporting and strengthening those connections.
Each of these paths can give insight into where your passions, talents, and burdens lie. But they are only one part of the equation when it comes to discovering your calling. To truly find your place in this world, you must also consider how your unique gifts, passions, and opportunities align.
The 4 Elements of a Calling
To help clarify how to find your calling, I’ve outlined four core elements that, when aligned, can point you in the right direction. These elements build on the diverse paths of Israel, adding practical steps to help you discern where your purpose lies.
- Ability – What You Are Good At
Your ability is the foundation of your calling. It is what you are naturally good at or what you can develop skills in over time. God has equipped you with talents and skills—some innate, others developed through experience. To find your calling, begin by reflecting on what you are good at doing. What tasks do you excel in? What do others often praise you for? These abilities will serve as the base for discovering your larger purpose. - Affinity – What You Love to Do
Affinity refers to what you are passionate about—what makes you come alive. While abilities can show what you’re good at, affinity shows where your heart is. Finding your calling requires aligning your abilities with what you truly love doing. Often, this will come naturally, but sometimes, it requires introspection or even experimentation. What activities bring you the most joy? Where do you find energy and excitement? - Awareness of Human Need – What You Feel Burdened For
A calling is never solely about you—it is about meeting a need in the world. We are all called to make a difference in the lives of others. What human needs or causes burden your heart the most? This could be issues like poverty, injustice, education, or environmental care. By becoming aware of where your heart is burdened, you can start to focus your energy and talents on areas where you can make a real impact. - Access to Opportunities – The Open Doors Before You
The final element is access to opportunities. Even if you know what you are good at, passionate about, and burdened for, if the opportunity to act on that calling isn’t available, it may not be the right time. Be mindful of the opportunities God places before you. Look for doors that are open and consider how you can step through them. Sometimes, your calling can take years to unfold, while other times, it may come through an unexpected door that opens wide.
Putting it All Together
Imagine a scenario where you are walking in the path of Reuben, using your leadership ability, and are deeply burdened by the need for justice in the world. You are passionate about standing up for the oppressed, and through your work, you gain access to an opportunity that allows you to lead efforts in the community. All these elements align—your ability, your love, your burden, and your opportunity—pointing you toward a clear calling.
The key is that you don’t have to figure it out all at once. Your calling might not look the same in five or ten years—it can evolve as you grow in faith, ability, and understanding of human need. Sometimes, it requires stepping out in faith and trying different paths, like the 12 Tribes of Israel did, until you find the one that truly resonates with who you are called to be.
Conclusion
Finding your calling is an ongoing journey of discovery. It involves understanding both the paths of the tribes of Israel and how they relate to your unique skills, burdens, and opportunities. By aligning your abilities with your passion, and recognizing the needs around you, you can begin to discern the purpose God has for you. Ultimately, the pursuit of your calling is not just about finding a job or career—it’s about living in harmony with the greater plan God has for your life. Walk in humility, trust in His timing, and He will guide you on this sacred journey to discover your calling.