The Elevator to Your Calling
A Journey Toward God’s Purpose for You: Part 1
Written by Teri Clapper
When you feel God calling you to something greater, it often feels uncertain — exciting, yet humbling. You know there’s a mission for you, a plan carefully prepared before you were ever born.
But stepping into that mission doesn’t happen all at once.
It’s a journey. A process.
And today, I want to invite you to visualize that journey like stepping into an elevator that God Himself is holding open just for you.
Stepping Into the Elevator: Meeting God Where You Are
At the ground floor, God meets you exactly where you are — flaws, doubts, imperfections, and all.
He isn’t asking you to be “ready” or “perfect” before you step in.
He simply says:
“Come as you are.”
When you accept His invitation, you step into the elevator — not knowing exactly what’s ahead, but trusting that the ride is leading you closer to the purpose He designed for you
Each Floor Is a Stage of Transformation
As the elevator rises, each floor represents something God wants to reveal to you — about your character, your heart, and your mission.
Maybe on the first floor, you’re confronted with fear.
Maybe the second floor shines a light on pride.
Maybe the third exposes wounds around relationships, finances, or trust.
Each stop is intentional.
Each floor is a place for reflection, surrender, healing, and growth.
God isn’t exposing your flaws to shame you — He’s preparing you.
Because where He is taking you, these hidden weaknesses could be used against you.
The enemy will try to stop you — but God is strengthening you for victory.
The Journey Isn’t a Joyride
This elevator ride isn’t like a fun ferris wheel.
It’s quiet.
It’s humbling.
It’s about sitting with yourself, with God, and allowing Him to point out the places where you need Him most.
Because only by surrendering these places to Him — truly letting go — can you be fully equipped to walk out the mission He has for you.
You Are Already Equipped — You Just Don’t See It Yet
The beautiful truth is:
Everything you need has already been provided.
God equipped you before you were ever called.
He knows every step, every challenge, every enemy you will face.
And He has already placed the tools, gifts, and resources you need along the way.
Your job is not to “earn” your calling — it is to receive it.
Surrendering on Each Floor
Sometimes, we get stuck.
Sometimes, we want to step off early because facing our wounds is too painful.
Sometimes, the temptation to stay where it’s “comfortable” is strong.
But God is patient.
He will wait at each floor until you are ready to surrender that part of yourself.
You will ascend again — when you lay it down at His feet.
Remember:
He doesn’t expect you to be perfect — He expects you to be willing.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
The Top Floor: Unity With God’s Vision
When you finally reach the top floor, it may not look exactly like you imagined.
But what it will be — is better.
It will be God’s vision for you, not your limited one.
It will be the mission that blesses others through the story of your own elevator ride — your healing, your surrender, your victory.
You didn’t ride the elevator just for yourself.
You rode it so you could lead others to their calling, too.
When you walk off the elevator at the top, you’re not just walking into your purpose —
You’re walking into partnership with God Himself.
He’s been waiting for you.
He’s been equipping you.
And He’s welcoming you with open arms —
ready to send you out into the world to further His Kingdom in a way only you can.
A Final Encouragement for Your Journey
When you get stuck, return to Scripture.
When you get tired, lean on prayer and trusted faith leaders.
When you feel lost, remember — God meets you where you are.
When you feel weak, know that’s where He is strongest.
You are not alone on this elevator ride.
He is with you on every floor.
And the top floor — the fullness of your calling — is worth every moment of the journey.
Keep going. He’s waiting for you at the top.
The Floors of Struggle: Confronting Ourselves with God’s Word: Part 2
As you ride the elevator closer to God’s calling for your life, each floor is not just a stop — it’s a mirror.
A place where God lovingly shows you areas that need healing, surrender, and growth.
It’s easy to want to ascend quickly — but transformation happens when we pause, acknowledge, and allow God to work in those difficult spaces.
Here are some of the struggles you might encounter on the different floors — and the Scriptures that show us how to rise above them:
Floor 1: Feeling Unworthy or Imposter Syndrome
Struggle: “I’m not good enough. I’m not called. Who am I to do this?”
Biblical Truth:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…” — 1 Peter 2:9
God does not call the qualified — He qualifies the called. Your worth is in Him, not in your resume.
Floor 2: Childhood Wounds and Parental Hurts
Struggle: Lingering pain from upbringing, broken trust, old labels spoken over you.
Biblical Truth:
“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” — Psalm 27:10
God becomes the perfect Father who heals the wounds no earthly parent could.
Floor 3: Lack of Confidence or Feeling “Ugly”
Struggle: Insecurity about appearance, voice, gifts, or place in the world.
Biblical Truth:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” — Psalm 139:14
Your voice, your face, your life were intentionally crafted to glorify Him.
Floor 4: Hatred, Bitterness, or Resentment
Struggle: Unforgiveness that poisons your spirit and holds you back.
Biblical Truth:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31-32
Forgiveness is not approval of wrongdoing — it’s freedom from bondage
Floor 5: Resistance and Fear of Change
Struggle: Clinging to old patterns, fear of letting go, staying “comfortable.”
Biblical Truth:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” — Isaiah 43:18-19
God is calling you into a new season — but you must release the old to receive the new.—
Floor 6: Trust Issues with God’s Plan
Struggle: Doubting whether God’s way is really better than your own.
Biblical Truth:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
Even when you can’t see the whole path, trust the One who does.
Floor 7: Greed or Misunderstanding Money’s Purpose
Struggle: Loving money, fearing lack, or misunderstanding how provision fits into your calling.
Biblical Truth:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” — 1 Timothy 6:10
Money is not your master — it is a tool to be used for God’s glory, not personal gain.
Floor 8: Arrogance, Overconfidence, and Lack of Humility
Struggle: Believing you can ascend without God, taking credit, craving applause.
Biblical Truth:
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” — James 4:6
The higher you rise, the lower your heart should bow in gratitude to Him.
Floor 9: Shame, Guilt, and Feeling Unloved
Struggle: Carrying shame from past mistakes, believing you’re beyond redemption.
Biblical Truth:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1
Your past does not disqualify you — it magnifies His grace.
Floor 10: Retreating to Old Habits
Struggle: When the journey gets tough, running back to sin, comfort zones, or destructive cycles.
Biblical Truth:
“As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” — Proverbs 26:11
God calls you forward, not backward. Keep moving toward freedom
How to Keep Ascending When You Get Stuck
If you find yourself stuck on a floor, remember:
You don’t have to climb alone.
Return to Scripture: Meditate on the Word daily. God’s promises are the light for your next step (Psalm 119:105).
Pray for Strength: Prayer isn’t just asking — it’s communing with the One who can carry you forward.
Lean on Fellowship: Find a prayer partner, Bible study group, or mentor to walk with you.
Practice Surrender Daily: It’s not a one-time thing. Every floor requires new surrender.
God’s mercy is endless.
His patience is infinite.
His love for you is immovable.
And His elevator will wait for you — until you are ready to take the next step.
Don’t give up. He’s not finished with you yet.
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