What is God calling you to in this moment, this day, this season of your marriage? Genuinely think about this. Maybe you have prayed over this very thing for years…and if you are honest with yourself, you have heard the answer.

How do we, as busy and distracted wives, act on the callings of our lives?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, New International Version)

Our own agendas often get in the way of pursuing a God-led life. If you are anything like me, I have a calendar with an endless list of to-do’s. Honestly, it is hard to set that aside for a period of time and it is definitely difficult to take on an insurmountable task God has given me without first preparing.

God cannot just be penciled into our lives ladies; He needs to be the center and we need to choose to pursue His plans daily.

"Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15, NIV)

There is no amount of preparing you can do for the calling on your life. That may be hard to hear at first, but it also should bring you a sense of peace knowing that God has everything ready to go…He is just waiting on you to jump in and trust Him.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NIV)

But at what point do you lay aside your busy, structured life - which by the way has every hour planned out to what you will wear, eat and do every single day - for the incredible plans God has laid out before you?

Wives, clear your agendas, your minds and ultimately your lives for what He has in store for you. Now is the time to act on the calling tugging at your heart. Today is the perfect time for you to jump all in and let go of your plans.

It is time to take up His plans and take action.

But what does that look like? I am a dreamer, but I am married to a practical man so lets walk through this for both perspectives:

“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:7-8, NIV)

For the idealist and realist, the calling God has placed in you may be big, small or something simply long-term. Maybe He is leading you to a different career, to intentionally pursue a friendship or to be a mentor to an engaged couple.

Whatever it looks like for you, be open to the idea and stop putting it off. The longer you push aside the calling - the sooner the opportunity may pass by and God may call you to a new thing, thus forcing you to miss the season God has called you to initially.

I know none of us want to live with “what if’s.” What if you hadn’t said “yes” to your hubby, what if you didn’t send your resume, what if you didn’t talk to your now best friend…the callings are endless and God wants you to follow each and every one.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, English Standard Version)

Taking the first step toward the calling is frightening no doubt, but once you set aside your own plans for His, the reward will be more than you could have ever imagined.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, ESV)

New International Version (NIV)

English Standard Version (ESV)

Acting on Your Calling