Why Your Calling Will Be Uncomfortable (And Why That’s Okay)
The cross was not comfortable—so why do we expect our calling to be?
One of the biggest pitfalls I’ve seen take out Christians is a failure to anticipate just how challenging the journey to fulfill their calling will be. Many of us love the idea of receiving a prophetic word—hearing that we’ll preach to the nations, write songs that echo across the globe, or launch ministries that impact millions. But here’s the reality: we severely underestimate the process required to get there.
Stewardship Is Key
Your calling isn’t something you simply step into like turning on a light switch. It doesn’t happen in an instant, and God doesn’t snap His fingers to make it easy. There’s a journey of stewardship, faithfulness, and perseverance. God uses the process to refine your character, hone your skills, and prepare you for what’s ahead.
Think of Moses in the wilderness for 40 years. Think of Noah, building an ark while facing mockery. Think of Paul and the apostles, enduring persecution and suffering to fulfill their mission. These biblical giants weren’t just handed their destinies; they were forged through hardship.
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3-4, ESV).
Many Christians give up too soon, blaming God, their circumstances, or even the person who gave them the prophetic word. But the truth? It often hasn’t happened—not because God isn’t working, but because you’re not working.
The Reality of the Call
Yes, your calling is going to be uncomfortable. It will stretch you in ways you never imagined. Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30), but that doesn’t mean the work He’s called you to won’t require diligence and persistence.
There will be times you want to quit. Times where you see no results or progress in the natural. These are the moments when most people tap out. But these are also the moments God is doing His deepest work in you—refining your character, teaching you patience, and preparing you to carry the weight of your calling.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, ESV).
Re-adjust Your Expectations
The truth is, most people fail to see the fullness of God’s promise for their life because they underestimate how difficult the journey will be. If you’ve been expecting it to be quick or easy, it’s time to re-adjust your expectations. The key to stepping into your calling isn’t a secret formula—it’s simply refusing to give up.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Outlast Your Discouragement – The moments of doubt and despair are inevitable, but they’re also temporary.
2. Outlast Your Impatience – God’s timing isn’t our timing, but His plans are always worth the wait.
3. Keep Showing Up – Success in your calling is often about consistency, not perfection.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV).
Be the One Who Doesn’t Give Up
It’s simple, but it’s not easy. Most people can’t do the simple things—being patient, being faithful, and persevering when the going gets tough. But you can.
Your calling is worth it, and God is faithful to complete the work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). So, whatever He’s called you to do, don’t stop. Don’t let the discomfort or delay make you question the promise. Keep going, because God is working even when you don’t see it.
If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder to keep going. And let me know in the comments what spoke to you the most.
Stay faithful, stay persistent, and don’t give up on what God said.
