I started working with students with special needs when I was in high school.

That led me to working with both children and adults with autism and other learning

differences for many years. I had the heart to do it. I had the patience to do it.

I’m thankful for the precious souls who came into my life. They taught me

valuable lessons about perseverance and unconditional love. Did I enjoy working in

special education? Yes. Was I good at it? I sure hope so. I hope and pray I impacted

their lives in some small way. They sure did impact my life in positive ways. Was

working in that field my calling? Yes, for a season. Was it my passion? Not really, but I

was serving, and it was a privilege and an honor to serve in various support roles.

While I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to work in special ed., I knew at an

early age my true passion was writing. I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I have

written in one form of another since childhood. Little poems on scrap pieces of paper.

Short stories using my weekly spelling words. Scribbled out song lyrics that will never

see the light of day and parts of manuscripts that may or may not ever be published.

Now as an adult, I have the awesome opportunity to write for a living. I always

joke that I put the “free” in freelance writing. While I don’t make much of money, I get to

wake up to do something I love.

I’m passionate about writing, but do I feel qualified? No. Do I feel talented? No.

Do I feel scared? Yes. I wrestle with God about this calling on my life almost daily. I

question why He has called me to something I feel so ill-equipped to do? Even with my

insecurity, I know it’s my passion. It’s my calling, and although I’m frightened, have selfdoubts, and question my ability, I keep walking through the doors God opens.

I struggle with it, but when our ministries pastor, Holly, recently spoke about our

passion and calling, it was confirmation. Confirmation that I’m doing what I’m meant to

do. God used Holly’s message to speak directly to me. I pray that I’m using my passion

to do kingdom work. I pray the Lord is using me to offer hope, comfort, and

encouragement. Through stringing sentences together, I pray I’m pointing others to

Christ.

What is YOUR passion?

Maybe you don’t know, and that’s okay. Keep listening to the Holy Spirit and

being obedient to the Lord. Through those day-to-day moments, you will eventually

recognize your calling. Even if you don’t completely know your passion, you can still

utilize your God-given gifts to serve others.

Holly said, “With God there are NO TAKE BACKS. He doesn’t give us something

and take it back. He doesn’t give us gifts to use and take them back. He’s given you

gifts to use for His purposes. He’s a ‘no take back’ God.”

Romans 11:29 tells us “…for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”

 Passions and gifts are for you to pursue. During the message, Holly said,

“Limiting your capacity is not God’s calling on your life.” You’re equipped and gifted to

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serve. What are you doing to serve the kingdom? God gifted us all with unique ways to

serve others.

Holly also reminded us, “The pursuit of passions, not the burial of them, leads to

your calling. It leads to your purpose.”

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as

faithful stewards of God’s grace in it’s various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

My sweet mom will be 80 years old in August. She has a notecard on her mirror

that says, “Lord, show me how you want to use me today.” God has used her in so

many ways through the years, and He continues using her to serve her church and

community. She’s also been a hospice volunteer for over a decade.

It’s never too late. You’re never too old. That’s something this writer girl is

learning.

He’s created you to do good works. He loves you, equips you, and opens doors

for you. Just be faithful and keep walking through them. There you will find your calling,

your passion. 

By Kristy Ensor