By Jeff Spadafora, Director of Global Coaching and Product Development
It’s not uncommon for one of our Halftime Coaches to hear someone say, “I’m willing and able to go make a positive difference in the world, but I’m not hearing God’s voice as I try to figure out His calling on my life.”
I had the same challenge. The more I think about it now, the more I realize it wasn’t an issue of hearing God. It was a matter of trusting Him. You see, God has already spoken. He already told us what we should do to experience heaven on earth and beyond:
- Jesus started with an overarching commandment: Love God and others (Mark 12:30-31). That’s a good place for us all to start… and keep coming back to
- Then He gave us the Great Commission: “Make disciples of all the nations” refers to (1) evangelism and (2) discipling (Mt. 28:19). The first is about creating believers in Christ, the second is about building followers of Him. This latter field of endeavor is what we at Halftime have dedicated our lives to
- He also said (3) feed the hungry and (4) give drink to the thirsty (Mt. 25:35)
- (5) Give hospitality and shelter to the stranger /foreigner/refugee (Mt. 25:35)
- (6) Clothe the naked, (7) care for the sick and (8) visit the imprisoned (Mt. 25:36)
- (9) Help widows and (10) orphans (Psalms, Isaiah, Acts and especially James 1:27)
- (11) Provide justice to the oppressed and disenfranchised (multiple references from Matthew, Mark and Luke)
There you go. God already told us what we should do. The next step is to figure out how to use our skills, resources, platform and relationships to impact one or more of those 11 areas.
So here’s the formula (if I dare suggest a formula for anything involving the Holy Spirit!):
- apply the skills that give you energy
- to a cause that makes you and God mad, sad, or glad
- in an organization with the right role and culture for you
- do it all in Jesus’ name, and;
- you’ll be in the flow of what God wants done on earth.
Where that all intersects is where your greatest joy in life will be. It won’t come from closing another deal, buying something else, or checking off your next bucket list item.
Hopefully this offers clues about what to do with your life. Don’t over think it. Trust that God’s love, flowing through you in one of the ways above, will lead you to the peace and joy you are craving.
Here are a few ways we can help you.
The Halftime One on One Program
Request a free coaching consultation
In 2005, Jeff was inspired by Bob Buford’s book Halftime and began his journey of discovering God’s true purpose for his second half. As he worked with his Halftime coach, it became clear that his calling is to help other people discover their calling.
He has coached over 130 men and women through the Halftime Journey and continues to make this a primary part of his ministry. As the leader of The Halftime Institute’s global coaching staff, he is also responsible for recruiting, training, and managing Halftime Certified coaches throughout the world.
Jeff served on the staff leadership team for ten years and was the lead designer of the Halftime curriculum and one of the primary facilitators of workshops for groups of people embarking on the Halftime journey. Jeff also writes and speaks globally about the issues of life purpose, joy, and kingdom impact.
His latest book, The Joy Model: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Life of Peace, Purpose, and Balance, is the result of a decade of personal growth, life coaching, coach leadership and study. WWW.THEJOYMODEL.COM
Jeff lives in Evergreen Colorado with his wife Michelle and has 3 children. He enjoys fishing, hunting, skiing, mountain biking and everything else the great outdoors of Colorado has to offer.
“Too many people focus the better part of their lives on the wrong things: the company’s agenda, other peoples’ ideas of success . . . money. Over time, this leads to frustration and emptiness. True freedom comes as a people discover their God-given design and pour themselves into service for others.” –Jeff Spadafora
Checkout Jeff's Articles:
The “Cowboy” Approach to Your Second Half Just Doesn't Work
What Should I Do With My Life?
I Lost My Heart
A Journey
An Ancient Halftimer
Listen to his podcasts:
Eternal Leadership - Coaches Corner
Eternal Leadership - Smoldering Discontent
Knowledge for Men
Theology of Business
Professional Christian Coaching Today
iWork4Him - Joy and Happiness
