Called By God
How One Divine Moment Redirected Ryan Ellis' Life
Every leader has a story. But the most powerful stories are the ones shaped not by titles or talent, but by God's timing and purpose. In a recent Leadership Lifter Talk, I sat down with Ryan Ellis—a gifted Christian music artist, husband, and father—who shared a moment that radically changed the trajectory of his life.
Let me tell you: this brother didn’t take the easy route. From growing up in San Diego to training for Navy Special Forces, Ryan had big dreams and a drive to match. He was two weeks away from qualifying for elite military duty—training hard, committed, and excelling. But in the stillness of one night on his bunk, God showed up.
“I saw my life flash before my eyes. God showed me what I was created for—and it wasn’t this path,”
What God revealed to him was his true assignment: music. Ministry. Purpose. Not just a platform, but a calling.
That moment wasn’t in a church. No stage. No worship band. Just Ryan, his thoughts, and the undeniable voice of God pulling him into his destiny.
God’s Purpose Always Finds You
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: you don’t find your purpose—God reveals it.
Ryan’s story is a reminder that no matter where you are—in the Navy, in a dead-end job, or feeling stuck in the waiting—God knows how to speak to you. He’s not waiting for perfect conditions. He’s looking for surrendered hearts.
Balance Isn’t a Myth—It’s a Mission
We also talked about balancing ministry, marriage, and music. Ryan’s words hit home:
“The first strategy is to have a godly wife. We’re raising three kids, and my wife is my partner in all of it. But it takes more than that—it takes team, communication, and total trust in God’s timing.”
That’s the blueprint. Whether you’re leading on a stage or leading at the dinner table, success isn’t about status—it’s about submission to God’s plan.
Purpose Looks Like People
When I asked Ryan what purpose looks like, he said something I’ll never forget:
“The purpose is people.”
That’s the heart of Jesus. Love God, love people. Simple, but not always easy.
It’s possible to get so focused on serving God that you forget to see people. But if we’re going to lead like Jesus, we’ve got to lead with compassion, clarity, and conviction—always pointing people back to the cross.
The Next Generation Needs Us
Ryan shared a big part of his future vision—developing programs to reach people coming out of hard places: addiction, prison, broken homes. Why? Because he came from that same pain.
“God’s made a way when it didn’t make sense. And I want to help others see that He’ll do the same for them.”
Leadership isn’t just about our platform—it’s about our impact. Let’s raise up others to walk in their purpose, just like Ryan is doing.
Your Purpose Is Worth the Fight
To every reader who’s struggling to see what’s next—don’t quit. If you’re a songwriter, leader, parent, business owner—whatever your lane—trust God’s process. The pressure doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong place. It might just mean you’re getting closer to purpose.
Let this be your reminder: God’s not done with you.
“Don’t give up. Follow the Holy Spirit. Trust God,”
Ryan prayed at the end of our talk.
And I’ll add this: Stay faithful. Stay focused. Stay encouraged.
You’ve got more in you than you think. And God’s working for you, even when you don’t see it.
Until next time, keep lifting leaders and living on purpose.
Listen to the full conversation with Ryan Leak on the Leadership Lifter Podcast.
Listen Leadership Lifter Podcast on YouTube or on davidblunt.org