How Much Clarity Do We Need to Start Taking Action in Our Calling?
Do We Need 100% Certainty Before Moving Forward?
Did you know that God has important areas of influence assigned to YOU?
Listen to what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:13–16:
“we will only boast with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even you….(15) But our hope is that as your faith increases, our areas of influence among you may be greatly enlarged (16) so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.”
God Has Specialized Assignments for You
Jesus modeled for us how to live our lives. He would spend time in prayer and interaction with the Father, then go and do the assignments—the works—the Father gave Him to do.
Jesus received His assignment from the Father before He started His public ministry, and He continued to do that regularly throughout His mission.
The Bible repeatedly teaches that God has assignments planned out for each of us. Ephesians 2:10 and 2 Timothy 1:9tell us that God has good works already prepared for us to fulfill based on His purposes and our unique calling.
I find it helpful to imagine God communicating with me as I prayerfully plan—whether quarterly, weekly, or daily—saying, “Mark, this is what I want you to work on this quarter, week, or day. It’s the perfect assignment for you and plays a key role in helping the people I’ve placed in your area of influence.”
Super Clear, Cloudless Vision
This morning, I heard the testimony of a beautiful Jesus follower who built one of the largest rehab real estate firms in the Southeast United States. She’s now using her wealth and expertise to serve hundreds of children in Africa.
It’s taken years of sacrifice and hard work, but she’s empowered by a super-clear vision she received from Jesus as a teenager. It’s as if she received a direct, unmistakable vision from Jesus about her calling.
As I celebrate her perseverance and success, I also feel frustrated.
My own “assignments” often feel less clear—more like cloudy ideas, not crystal-clear heavenly visions like hers.
I’ve never had a literal, undeniable vision from Jesus, and sometimes it feels hard to move forward with what I believe God wants me to do, especially with doubts lingering in the background. She had clarity; I’m often working with much less certainty.
Encouragement from Big Name Ministers
I’m not one of those super charismatic, high-profile ministers with millions of followers. In fact, the largest crowd I’ve spoken to at once is around 3,000 people.
But as I’ve listened to prominent leaders who speak to massive audiences, many of them have shared that they’ve never had a literal vision from Jesus either. Yet God is using them in significant ways.
Several of these leaders have shared how they follow Psalm 37:4 to understand God’s assignments:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
When we make God our delight—when we live from and for Him—God will give us desires. These desires can be strong indicators of His will and purpose for us.
If a desire is godly and remains with us, it’s a sign we can move forward with confidence that it aligns with God’s plan.
I’ve also heard several national leaders say they never reach 100% certainty that their ideas and desires are God’s will. Instead, they pray, discuss, and when they reach about 80% certainty, they take action.
They view taking a step of faith as essential. God rarely gives us full certainty, so they encourage action. If it’s not God’s plan, He will redirect them along the way.
God Blesses Calculated Risk (FAITH)
John Wimber, the founder of the Vineyard Churches, often said, “You spell faith R-I-S-K.” The Bible warns against presumption, but in my experience, many of us wait for too much certainty before moving forward.
We often wait for angelic visitations, clear visions, or audible voices from God. We also look for multiple confirmations.
But the truth is, for most of us, those dramatic signs don’t happen.
The good news is, that despite not having those spectacular visitations, we can still move forward with godly desires, clear thoughts, peace, excitement, or a drive to act. These can be enough to fulfill our assignments and serve God's purposes.
Here’s where I stand: I move forward based on the desires I feel God has placed in me and trust Him to show me if I’m on the wrong path as I take action. The Bible is clear that taking action allows God to work through us, redirecting us far better than if we remain stuck, waiting for perfect certainty.
How About Joining Me?
Why not join me in taking action and see what happens?
For a FREE 30-minute consultation on knowing God better, experiencing real transformation, and living out your unique purpose, get in touch here.
My goal is to help busy believers experience God more deeply, grow consistently—both spiritually and personally—and confidently live out their unique purpose.
