Standing At The Edge Of Your Calling
A personal story of spiritual purpose and divine guidance
by Rev. Tami Johns
The title of this blog reminds me of a t-shirt I own that says “if you are not standing on the edge, then you are taking up too much space.” Standing on the edge can be a scary place and we often step back to reduce the fear. Maybe it is a fear of falling, a fear of heights or the discomfort of being so close to the edge. The same can be true about our spiritual calling and purpose. Often, we can be standing at the edge, afraid to take the first step, because it feels so big.
When God calls us, the call often does not arrive when we feel fully prepared or qualified. God does not always call the fully qualified. Sometimes God qualifies the willing. So, I ask you, are you willing? Are you willing to ask, how am I being called to serve right now?
Moses: Called to Spiritual Purpose While Feeling Unqualified
The Hebrew bible, in Exodus, gives us an example of someone being called, yet feeling unqualified in Moses. He was not looking for a big assignment. He was simply tending sheep in the wilderness when God appeared to him through a burning bush. God called him to go back to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. But Moses did not immediately say, “Yes, Lord, I’m ready.” He questioned himself. He asked:
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
That question shows Moses felt unqualified. He did not see himself as powerful, persuasive, or important enough for the job. You see, Moses had a complicated past, he had run away from Egypt, and he did not believe he had the right words. He did not feel eloquent enough, so basically, Moses’ first response was not me, find someone else.
Moses’ story reminds us that being called by God does not always feel exciting at first. Sometimes it feels scary. Sometimes it feels too big. Sometimes we look at our past, our weaknesses, our fears, or our lack of experience and think, “There is no way God means me.”
Arjuna: Called, but Frozen by Fear
The Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, gives us another powerful example of a person being called, yet feeling unqualified in Arjuna, He was a great warrior and prince. He was skilled, respected, and trained for battle. But when the moment came for him to fight in a major war, against people he knew, he broke down and refused to fight because suddenly, the purpose in front of him did not feel heroic. It felt painful, confusing, and impossible.
Then came Krishna’s guidance. Krishna teaches Arjuna about dharma, which means duty, purpose, moral responsibility, or the right path one is called to walk. Krishna tells Arjuna that his purpose is not about personal comfort, fear, approval, or avoidance. His calling is about doing what is right, even when it is hard.
Arjuna’s story reminds us that spiritual growth and purpose are not always peaceful at first. Sometimes it meets us in the middle of fear, conflict, and uncertainty. But being afraid does not mean we are not called. It may simply mean the calling matters.
Tami: Frozen Scared
I share these examples because they show that the Divine often calls people when they feel afraid and unprepared. My own calling to ministry came in my early thirties, at a time when I was occupied with my career and content with serving the church in ways I thought were sufficient. I couldn’t believe God wanted me to become a minister. It was unsettling and I pushed the idea aside. Initially, it was just a gentle nudge, but soon a quiet voice urged me to step forward. Since I ignored the subtle signs, something stronger was needed; I required a bigger push.
During this period, I attended an empowerment seminar. A weekend of profound self-discovery and transformation. I had to reflect deeply on my life, past experiences, and purpose. One exercise involved the facilitator assigning each participant a label representing how we showed up in life. We wore this label as our name badge for a day, and everyone addressed us by it. Mine read “frozen scared,” which shocked me because I saw myself as strong. Yet I realized I wasn’t progressing toward my purpose out of feelings of inadequacy and fear. During the weekend, I had to move out of fear to rid myself of the name tag.
Sometimes God’s calling doesn’t come when we feel ready. Instead, it arrives while we are still questioning ourselves, healing from our history, and wondering if we have enough to give.
Your Name: Your Story
So, I ask what is your calling? What name tag are you wearing that is keeping you from living out your purpose?
Maybe you are feeling discomfort, restlessness, or a quiet inner knowing that will not leave you alone. Yours may be a call to leadership, service, community work, or volunteering. Perhaps it is simply becoming more available to the Divine. To spend quiet time in meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or spiritual practice that allows your spirit to commune with the Spirit.
Whatever you are standing on the edge of, step into it. Answer the call. Even if you may think, who am I to do this? God does not only call people who feel ready. God calls people who are willing.
At Unity of the Triangle in Raleigh, NC, we believe spiritual seekers from all backgrounds can discover deeper spiritual purpose and calling, personal transformation, practical spirituality through community, prayer, meditation, and spiritual education.
