Living Beyond Feelings
We live in a world driven by feelings. Everywhere we turn, we're encouraged to "follow your heart," "do what feels right," or "listen to your emotions." While feelings are an important part of our human experience, they were never meant to be the compass for our lives. Instead, we are called to live by faith and obedience to God's purpose for us. Today, I want to share about the importance of focusing on our calling rather than being swayed by our emotions.
The Foundation: God's Calling
God’s calling on your life is not dependent on how you feel. It’s rooted in His plan and purpose for you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Your feelings can fluctuate—one day you might feel confident and ready, and the next day, doubt and fear might creep in. But God’s calling remains steady.
Take Moses as an example. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses didn’t feel capable. He said in Exodus 4:10, "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." Moses’ feelings of inadequacy didn’t change God’s plan for him. Instead, God assured Moses that He would equip him for the task.
Faith Over Feelings
Living according to your calling requires faith. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Faith doesn’t rely on feelings; it stands on the promises of God. Feelings can deceive us, but God’s Word is unchanging. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Think about Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:28-31. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water. But the moment he allowed fear to take over, he began to sink. His feelings distracted him from his faith. Similarly, when we let our emotions take the wheel, we risk losing sight of the incredible things God has called us to do.
The Danger of Following Feelings
Feelings can lead us astray if we’re not careful. The Bible warns us in Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Following your feelings can cause you to make impulsive decisions, compromise your values, or even abandon your calling altogether.
Consider Jonah’s story. Jonah didn’t feel like going to Nineveh. In fact, he ran in the opposite direction! But God’s call on Jonah’s life didn’t disappear just because Jonah’s feelings were in conflict with it. God pursued him, and ultimately, Jonah fulfilled his calling, bringing God’s message to the people of Nineveh.
Walking in Obedience
Obedience to God’s calling often requires us to step outside our comfort zones. It’s not always easy, and it’s rarely convenient. But obedience is a reflection of our trust in God. Romans 8:28 reminds us, "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." When we choose obedience over feelings, we position ourselves to experience God’s blessings and purpose in our lives.
Let’s look at Jesus as the ultimate example. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39). Jesus’ feelings were real—He experienced sorrow and anguish—but He didn’t let them deter Him from fulfilling His calling to save humanity. His obedience led to victory for all of us.
Trusting God in Every Season
Sometimes, our feelings are a reflection of the season we’re in. You might feel tired, discouraged, or unqualified. But God’s calling is not seasonal. Philippians 1:6 says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." What God starts, He finishes.
If you’re in a season of waiting, trust that God is working behind the scenes. Isaiah 40:31 encourages us, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Don’t let temporary emotions cause you to doubt the eternal work God is doing in your life.
Practical Steps to Align with Your Calling
Seek God Daily: Spend time in prayer and the Word. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel: Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Having a community of believers can help you stay grounded in your calling.
Take Small Steps of Obedience: You don’t have to see the whole picture to take the next step. Trust God with the process.
Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on times when God has been faithful in the past. This will strengthen your trust in Him for the future.
Guard Your Heart and Mind: Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
Conclusion: Called for a Purpose
Your feelings may fluctuate, but your calling remains constant. God has uniquely designed and equipped you for a purpose that goes beyond what you can see or feel in the moment. Trust Him, obey His Word, and step boldly into the calling He has placed on your life.
As 2 Timothy 1:9 reminds us, "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace." Let’s not be people who are tossed back and forth by our emotions. Instead, let’s anchor ourselves in God’s truth and live out the calling He has placed on our lives.
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