IN PURSUIT OF THE CALLING The mentality for getting to your destiny
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IN PURSUIT OF THE CALLING
The mentality for getting to your destiny
John Museredzo Foreword By Dr Washington Rupapa 3
Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are from the King James Version of the Bible. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission. Copyright © 2013 John Museredzo This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in part or in whole in any form, stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted in any form by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without prior written notice or permission of the author or publisher
ISBN: 0-7974-5544-3 IN PURSUIT OF THE CALLING Email: pastorjohn@johnmuseredzo.com jhnmuseredzo@gmail.com Cell: +263733420309 +263775127589 Website: www.johnmuseredzo.blogspot.com Published by: Motivate Business World International Cover Design by: Creative21 Layout by: HansMak Designs (Private) Limited 4
CONTENTS Contents……………………………………………………………5 Dedication………………………………………………………….7 Acknowledgements………………………………………………..9 Endorsements…………………………………………………….11 Foreword…………………………………………………………15 Statement of purpose…………………………………………….17 Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................. 19 Chapter 2: The Call ....................................................................... 23 Chapter 3: Dimension Of The Call ............................................... 33 Chapter 4: Recognising and Confirming The Call ....................... 39 Chapter 5: Gifts and Talents ......................................................... 49 Chapter 6: Persons Affecting Your Calling .................................. 55 Chapter 7: The Enemy Called Stereotyping ................................. 71 Chapter 8: Power of Linkages ...................................................... 77 Chapter 9: Expose Yourself To Greatness .................................... 89 Chapter 10: Dealing With The Past ............................................ 101 Chapter 11: Diligence To The Calling ........................................ 113 Chapter 12: Press Towards The Calling ..................................... 123 Chapter 13: Know Your Challenge ............................................ 133 Chapter 14: Maximizing Opportunities ...................................... 140 Chapter 15: Decision Making And The Calling ......................... 149 Notes ............................................................................................ 152 Bibliography................................................................................ 155 Other Books By John Museredzo ............................................. 156
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DEDICATION
To Barbra my wife and our sons Yehoshua and Yehudah. Your support in pursuit of my calling is appreciated. To my father Qayisani Kefasi Manzini. You played a great role in the pursuit of my calling. You are a genius. To those called and those anticipating to discover and fulfill what they have been called for. It is an exciting journey which you have to undertake.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This book is anchored on my true reflections of our calling. However the making of this book could not have been a success without the following people’s impact and influence: Grace Manyakara: The way you respected the calling upon my life as a young pastor amazed me. That humility was a confidence booster for me to go for the best hence this book. It is your gift. Timothy Mazibiye: You were our leader at a Christian group at the University of Zimbabwe. Your passion for the things of God had an impact in my life and my calling. Arthur Marara: From the first book to this one, you have become a channel which God uses for the fulfillment of what God has designed me to be. The words we have shared in our line of calling imprinted an engraving which calls destiny. You are a star. Apostle Christopher Kapandura: You nurtured the calling upon my life especially the days when I was still a university undergraduate. Your straightforward Gospel sharpened the call in me and is impacting the whole world. Dr Washington Rupapa: Your consistency especially in integrity is an inspiration to many who are pursuing their calling. I am
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humbled by your acceptance to do a foreword for this book. It means a lot to me. Apostle Professor Ezekiel Guti: You are a model of humility and your passionate authorship has challenged and influenced me. You have a unique and irresistible calling upon your life. I am humbled to follow your ministry and teachings.
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ENDORSEMENTS OF IN PURSUIT OF THE CALLING The challenges facing our generation means more than ever that we all need support and guidance to pursue our best life. This is where Pastor John Museredzo comes in, with a brilliant guide to finding your calling. His book In Pursuit of the Calling is a must read for everyone who aspires to live a life of fulfillment. This well-written and much-needed book, with thoughtfully insights, will serve as a compass to those who are in pursuit of true success. In this book the author presents a tremendous platform for people to determine their calling, chart their course and achieve their fullest potential. The author has a unique style of mixing relevant scriptures, skills, and strategies relevant for everyone in quest of fulfillment in life. I find the book not only informative, rich in content but also captivating and inspiring for everyone in pursuit of their calling. Be inspired by this roadmap designed to the discovery of the genius within you. Dr Stem Sithembile Mahlatini: President of Global Coaching and Consulting Services LLC | Psychotherapist | Author| Motivational Speaker- Salem, Massachusetts, USA. It has been said that apart from deciding one’s eternal destiny, finding and, more importantly fulfilling, one’s purpose and call in life is the greatest quest. But you have to search no more. Here is a tool to help you end the drudgery of trudging aimlessly along the corridors of life, and a weapon against the deception of mistaking 11
ambition for divine call. The author communicates with passion, simplicity and clarity to impart success principles that enable one to find enduring fulfillment by effectively pursuing their calling. Regardless of your vocation or what discipline of human endeavour you are in, you will find in the pages of this multidimensional book practicable, and an answer to the plethora of questions that plague everyone seeking to be all they can be, to the glory of God. Gabriel Manyati: Journalist|Entrepreneur- South Africa. I strongly commend the author for this excellent work and for his continued dedication to the practical application of God’s Word in unleashing the potential in multitudes. I have known John for quite some time and he has proved to be a leadership expert with lots of influence especially to the youth. In Pursuit of the Calling will help countless people to experience the fulfillment of God’s calling upon their lives. In this helpful book; John presents simple, yet illuminating concepts for clear and definite steps in pursuit of what we have been called for. This book will bring a right perspective which will influence, transform and impact your life. I heartily endorse this encouraging and life-transforming book. Dr Joseph Guti: Acting Vice Chancellor- Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University. This book provides a step-by-step manual on how to identify, cultivate, and pursue our callings in life. With simple language and great wisdom, this book provides answers to the questions that many people ponder about their callings. In the pages of this inspiring book are rich, well thought-out, practical and powerful teachings and reflections. Pastor John unveils the significance of pursuing and fulfilling our God-given purpose – which is enshrined 12
in God’s call. This book is full of captivating insights into how we can pursue excellence in our churches, families, businesses, and other aspects of life. In Pursuit of The Calling is a comprehensive guide to self-actualization and development. I applaud a book such as this one which ensures the fulfillment of the wonderful destiny that God has for our lives. We are not all called to be full-time pastors but we all have definite callings that we must discover, respect, follow and fulfill. I heartily endorse this book as a useful guide to improving and strengthening our understanding of God’s will for us on earth. Dr Fay Hodza: Sociology Lecturer - Monash South Africa (a campus of Monash University Australia) This book provides navigation points which will make sure the pursuit of your calling will be a reality. It is treasure well presented with thought-provoking insights. The author describes concepts in the wandering journey of discovering your calling, cultivating it, and using it to make a difference to humanity. It is impossible to overstate how needed, valuable, timely and timeless this book is. This book will help and influence this generation and generations to come. It is a practical guidance for all who are on their journey to success. I endorse this valuable, well-presented and clearly written book. Dr Patthias Bongo: Lecturer - Bindura University Of Science Education (Zimbabwe)
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FOREWORD
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he quest for fulfillment in this life is hidden and answered in identifying and pursuing one’s calling. The call is a very valuable entity which every individual should strive to discover and pursue. You are here on earth to fulfill the mandate of the calling. Your calling is unique to you as an individual. It brings meaning and reality to life. Pursuing your calling should be core to your life. This journey determines and defines in a significant way who you are and even the dimensions of your life. Our calling is a priority in life and we must develop ourselves through utilization of the skills, talents and gifting we have so that we become what we have been designed to be. Many people have never grasped their destinies by reason of focusing on past life and challenges. Don't let the past steal the passion which has been invested into your calling. Never abandon your calling because in the calling lies the sweet tomorrow. Even when moments become challenging decide today to rise up and press on toward the goal of your calling. It is for the joy of the calling that is set before you that should be the focus. In Pursuit Of The Calling is a powerful, captivating and timely book for this generation where we are tempted to follow every other ‘wind’ we meet in life. It is a powerful resource for discerning and accomplishing your God-given purposes. This 15
book is a clear, challenging and compelling presentation of how one can pursue what he or she has been called to do. John provides a simple and yet practical and powerful presentation of wisdom to succeed in life. This book helps all who strive to go into the adventure of pursuing and achieving their God-given purposes. In this generation and generations to come we require such an instruction manual for one to be inspired, energized, and wellequipped in the pursuit of one’s calling. You need such a toolkit which can help you navigate through the challenging task of discovering and pursuing your calling. I highly recommend this book for individuals, leaders, teams and organizations who yearn for success. Arise now, discover your calling and start pursuing it. As you pursue your calling accomplishment of the calling is inevitable. You were meant to unleash the giant and greatness in you. Dr Washington Rupapa Secretary General ZAOGA Forward In Faith Ministries International
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
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very person has a particular calling from God. God has a specific plan for each one of us. Unfortunately most people don’t know and appreciate this. We have thought for long that only a few are called by God. With this skewed view we have ascribed the word calling to certain churchmen who are called into ministry. However, people are called to accomplish different assignments in life. This book is based on a premise that knowing your calling only is not enough because the accomplishment of what one has been called for is not automatic. It calls for an individual to pursue that which he or she has been called for. Every individual is unique and each calling is unique and no person should be ashamed to pursue the God-given calling. No calling is superior to the other. When we do this we partner with God and His calling upon us and fulfillment of the calling is inevitable. As we pursue the calling we must understand that in this journey there are challenges that can prevent us from fulfilling the call of God. It is interesting that some people are self limiting while some are blocked by other people or the devil. Whatever challenge, move forward towards the goal of your calling until you get the prize of fulfillment. Never lose the zeal to pursue the call upon your life. Never let any events of life distract you. As you read this book, be refreshed and encouraged to utilise the gifts upon your life to pursue 17
your calling. This book will stir you up and energise you to reach what you were designed to be. Rise up, pursue your calling!
John Museredzo Harare, Zimbabwe
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~1~ INTRODUCTION “Everybody has a vocation to some form of life-work...” Brennan Manning
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t is my conviction that every person has a calling. Every person God created was designed to have a calling. It is unfortunate that the word call has been presented to us with a predetermined meaning. Most people have a perception that only a few are called. This is because the idea of a call has been confined to those churchmen in a particular church work. A calling is a Goddesigned assignment, specific to an individual and it is the reason for being and A calling is a God-designed existence. This calling is so assignment, specific to an unique in that one’s calling individual and it is the reason for can never be compared with being and existence. anyone on earth. It is in existence from a time which is even before conception.
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We are called for a special and noble purpose. Each and every individual has a value and purpose. It is true that true success only comes when we climb the ladders of our callings. It is important to note that a calling is an endeavor which is clear, definite, God given, and it is a key assignment towards which one has to concentrate all energies and effort required to pursue it. The challenge for every person with a calling is to discover and become aware of this life vocation. You can’t fulfill a calling you don’t know. There is need for personal discovery of that area in which one is called. When we identify our calling it is easier then to answer to the call. God has put you on this earth to make a contribution. This mammoth task of calling discovery and confirmation is what most people are reluctant to do. A purposeful life only becomes meaningful when the calling of that A purposeful life only becomes individual is pursued. Never meaningful when the calling of let any person to thrust a ‘call’ upon your life. Pursue that that individual is pursued. which you have discovered with compulsion and passion. God has a special and unique purpose and calling for your life and His intent and design is that you make a difference with your calling. He places a desire and a passion in our hearts to do the things He calls us to do. The degree to which we listen to and act on our callings determines how fulfilled we are with our lives.
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In pursuit of our calling we must maximize the power of networking. You will not be able to learn, succeed and excel in your God-given calling without proper counsel. Let’s keep alert and make use of opportunities we meet in life. Taking advantage of opportunities opens platforms for the success of our calling. As opportunities arise it is also our duty to discover the kind of gifts, talents and abilities God has given us. Never neglect the gifts and talents bestowed upon you as they are critical in the functioning of the call. In the journey of your calling some people will help you and some who will be against you. You must never succumb to the dictates of stereotypes no matter how positive they are. When faced with challenges in pursuit of the calling just press on. The pursuit of the call calls for people who have diligence. Diligent people are people of commitment in whatever they do, people of discipline and self control over passions against their calling. They develop daily practices which are beneficial to the calling. When they do this they also Continuous improvement develop continuously in all guarantees a better approach aspects of their life. Continuous to the execution of the call. improvement guarantees a better approach to the execution of the call. As you pursue your calling make sure you run to the end. Never give up along the way. Incubation of past memories can be bitter and bind our progress to experience the desired future. It is of no 21
use to give in energy to a commitment which will never see fruition. Get to the goal of your calling. Fulfill what God has designed you to be. Decide today to pursue the calling in you. Let the calling and greatness in you manifest and shine.
Scripture thought “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.” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
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