Moses, David, and Nehemiah are three Biblical figures with some of the clearest sense of calling in the Old Testament. Yet, neither one experienced their calling in isolation or for their own personal fulfillment.

When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, God said to him; "I have seen the suffering of my people...I have come to deliver them..." (Ex 3:7-8). Moses was not being called for his own personal fulfillment but for Israel's deliverance.

David served and suffered as King of Israel for 40 years, at times experiencing great prosperity and at other times having his life threatened. During his reign, "David realized that the Lord...exalted his Kingdom for the sake of Israel" (2 Sam 5:12). David was not anointed King for his own sake, but for the sake of the people he served.

When Nehemiah heard about a small remnant of people remaining in Jerusalem living in poverty and vulnerability (Neh 1:3) he responded by moving to Jerusalem and rebuilding the city's infrastructure, economy, and spiritual environment. This was not so that he could make a name for himself, but so that he could restore the entire city and its residents.

This trend continued in the New Testament. Peter was called to the Jewish people. Paul was called to the Gentiles. Jesus ultimately illustrates this by dying on behalf of all people (1 Tim 2:3-6).

You have a calling. Focus on fulfilling your calling, not fulfilling yourself. You are not called in order to live your best life, build a personal brand, or achieve professional accolades. You are called for the sake of others. You will experience real fulfillment at the same pace at which you are fulfilling your calling to serve others.