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6 Ways We Can Know We Are Appointed by God

6 Ways We Can Know We Are Appointed by God

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

When Mordecai told these words to Esther, he was encouraging her, sharing that she was appointed by God to meet the moment for the Jews. To be appointed by God means that you have been chosen and set apart by him for a specific purpose. This means God has called and appointed you to meet this moment. Not just you, but every person who God saves falls into this category. Regardless of how you feel about it, this remains true. We sometimes think only those who are pastors, leaders, or “more important or anointed” people have this calling, but that is not the case. Being in Christ means God has set you apart and has something he wants you to do. 

As you walk with Jesus, inevitably, you will grapple with the question of your purpose. It is not unusual to wonder what God has appointed you to do. This goes beyond seeking a role or position, but wanting to know and embrace God’s will for your life. This forces us to consider this question: how can know you are appointed by God?

The good news is there are indicators that can give you confidence that you are in the place God wants you to be.

If you pay attention to these six indicators, it can help you recognize and confirm that you are walking in the path God has set for you:

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  • hand extended, provision

    1. Provision

    "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

    Many years ago, a friend of mine shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me ever since: "His will, His bill." This simple yet profound statement captures a vital truth about walking in God's will. God never asks you to do something unless he has already made provision for it. 

    When you are appointed by God, you are stepping into his divine purpose and plan for your life. Fulfilling this purpose often requires resources, support, and provision and, since God is leading you, he will also provide for you. This provision is not just a practical necessity but a tangible confirmation that you are appointed by God for that specific situation.

    Consider this: if God calls you to undertake a particular task or mission, he will ensure that you have everything you need to accomplish it. This might come as financial resources, emotional support, spiritual guidance, or any other means necessary to fulfill His will. The consistent provision you experience while pursuing God’s calling is a powerful indicator of his appointment. It serves as evidence that you are on the right path, equipped by God to carry out what he wants you to do. 

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  • man sitting outside, peaceful

    2. Peace

    "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

    It is crucial not to overlook the peace of God, as it is a profound indicator of being appointed by him. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a sense of tranquility that comes when you know you are in God’s will. Often, the most significant assurance that you are walking in the path he has chosen for you is the peace he imparts. Philippians 4:7 calls this the peace that surpasses understanding. This peace can remain steadfast even amid turmoil or when circumstances do not unfold as you expected. It is a deep, abiding sense of calm and reassurance that anchors your soul, regardless of external chaos. 

    When you experience peace in the face of unfavorable conditions and when everything around you seems uncertain or challenging, it can serve as confirmation that you are on the right path. That’s why if God’s peace is absent, it may be time to re-examine if you are in the right place or not.

    God’s peace reminds you he is with you, and he is in control over your life. Not only does this provide comfort, but it can give you the confidence to persevere. Please don’t make light of the peace of God, as it is often one of the clearest signs that you are in alignment with God’s will and purpose. By embracing this peace, you can reassure yourself of God's guidance and support, which will enable you to move forward with courage and conviction.

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  • People judging a woman

    3. Persecution

    "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:18-19

    An unusual yet telling sign you are appointed by God is persecution. When you earnestly seek to fulfill God's will, you will inevitably attract the attention of the enemy, Satan, who will attempt to thwart your efforts. If he tried to do this to Jesus, he will try to do this with you. One of his strategies is to send persecution, aiming to discourage and derail you from pursuing what God has called you to do. When persecution happens, you may see it as a sign of failure or wrongdoing, but it can often be quite the opposite. Instead of asking, "What am I doing wrong?" it might be more appropriate to consider, "What am I doing right?"

    Being persecuted doesn't necessarily mean you're on the right path, but it can be a telling hint. It serves as a reminder that when you are aligned with God's purpose, opposition is inevitable. This resistance can strengthen your resolve and affirm that you are indeed walking in the path God has appointed for you. Embracing this perspective helps you to see persecution not as a deterrent, but as a testament to your faithful pursuit of God's calling.

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  • Woman cutting fruit

    4. Production

    "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

    Another way to discern if you are appointed by God is to examine the outcomes of your efforts. However, it's important to approach this with caution, as relying solely on visible results can be misleading. It's easy to assume that if your work is producing tangible fruit, then God must be in it. Yet, this is not always how God measures productivity. The primary metric God uses to gauge productivity is not the outward success of your actions, but your obedience to his will. Are you doing what he has asked you to do? Sometimes this obedience will result in visible fruit, but other times it may not.

    Another crucial measure of being appointed by God is your spiritual growth. Are you becoming more like Christ every day? This transformation of character is of paramount importance to God. Before you achieve anything outwardly for him, his priority is to transform your life so that you reflect Christ more fully. Even if your works seem unproductive in a worldly sense, if your character is being molded and refined, that is firm evidence of God’s appointment. 

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  • woman outdoors writing in gratitude journal

    5. Passion 

    "A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

    Do you love what you do, or are you driven to do it? This can be another indicator that you are appointed by God. One blessing of serving the Lord is that He often allows you to pursue what you love. While this isn’t always the case, many times, your gifts and talents align with your passions and interests. It's a profound grace when your personal passions align with God's calling. This alignment not only brings joy and fulfillment but also enhances your effectiveness in your service for him. When what you love to do coincides with what God has called you to do, it is a powerful sign that you are walking in His divine appointment.

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  • Peaceful woman outside

    6. Presence

    "The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'” Exodus 33:14

    The last way I will share with you to know you are appointed by God is through the assurance of his presence with you. This is not an outward sign, but an inward confirmation, a sense of peace that reassures you of his companionship as you move forward. God often uses peace or provision to remind you of his presence, but regardless of the method, you have an unwavering confidence that he is with you. This assurance brings comfort and certainty, reinforcing that you are not alone and that everything will be okay. When you feel this deep, abiding sense of God's presence, it is an enduring indicator that lets you know you are appointed by God.

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    Clarence Haynes 1200x1200Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club.  He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. His most recent book is The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has just released his first Bible study course called Bible Study Basics. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com