Knowing what God has called you to do is very important. The strength of conviction of a Moses, who heard God from a burning bush, or a Peter, who had the son of God give him his marching orders is unparalleled by those who have arrived at their calling by other means.

My friend, Steve Sjogren, talks about being a turtle versus a rabbit. He refers to the reduced schedule he follows after his medical accident of nearly ten years ago left him with less than 50% of the energy he used to have. And guess what, God told him to be a turtle! That makes it easier, don’t you think.

This line of thought caused me to think about the tyranny of multiple choices. If you have a modicum of ability, there are many good things you can do, and lots of pressure to pursue those things. An idea pops into your head, you get an invitation to speak, or to travel somewhere, and off you go pursuing the latest and greatest thing. I think some of these really good things might be "rabbit trails." Clearly, rabbit trails have been well-traveled, but usually they are not going anywhere much.

This is the way I envision the classic race between the turtle and the hare. The hare, although speedy, lacked the unique focus of the turtle. These days I have lots of avenues to pursue, lots of rabbit trails to explore. However, when I think of the specific orders from headquarters these days, my path seems a little more clear and I can make better choices on the "best" way to spend my time and energy.

My encouragement to you: Get a calling from God, your unique calling, and then stick with it with a single-minded focus. This is the path to great fruitfulness.