How do you understand your personal call?
I’m in a spiritual formation program this year. This month we are focusing on our calling. So, I have been journaling as I have been seeking to articulate who I am and the opportunities open to me during this current season of my life. How can I do my part in accomplishing God’s mission in the world? Do I see myself “called” by God?
Let me back up a bit.
There are various perspectives on calling
You may think calling is just for people who have had a burning bush experience like Moses and as a result, they knew God had called them into a life of full-time ministry.
Or perhaps you think of calling as more of a gradual unfolding, as God leads people into vocational ministry—over time they sense a call to become a pastor or a missionary or evangelist. My husband was called in this way.
Kevin was raised in a Christian home, had a significant personal experience with God in Junior High and during college believed God was leading him into ministry based on his love for the Lord and desire to teach and preach the Word. Mentors encouraged him. So we packed up our family and moved across the country so he could attend seminary.
For several years during seminary, Kevin wondered if God was calling him into the ministry or should he pursue a different career? He was never knocked to the ground and blinded like Saul. But nevertheless, gradually, over time, God affirmed Kevin’s giftedness and in prayer, called him to vocational pastoral ministry.
I knew Kevin was called to be a pastor. And I fully embraced my role as the pastor’s wife. But I didn’t think I had received a call. I didn’t think volunteering was a “calling” because it was not a paid, full-time job. I guess I equated calling with a vocation—a job. I had a more general call: all people are called to love the Lord, love others, and do their part to share the gospel, disciple people, and seek to advance God’s mission in the world. But I didn’t have a special, specific call.
But what if discerning our calling is a spiritual formation conversation God invites us to have with him during the various seasons of our lives? What if he desires to clarify how he would have us contribute to his larger mission in the world? What if he invites us to draw near and listen for his quiet whisper as he reveals to us his call?
Journaling is the perfect tool for seeking to discern God’s call. I recommend that you set aside a large section of your journal for this discernment process. Put a marker there. And each time you open your journal, prayerfully consider what God has brought to your attention as it relates to your call. There are some questions you may want to ponder in your journal as well.
Reflect in your journal on formational questions
If calling is a spiritual formation conversation, it makes sense that it would be rooted in my identity and deeply connected to who God created me to be. Freewrite for a few mornings, answering the question: Who am I?
What are my natural giftedness, developed skills, education, and experiences that shape who I am today?
What are my core values, culture, family responsibilities, and the defining stories of my life?
Use your journal to write down the nudges of the Spirit.
Capture the Bible stories he uses during your weeks of discernment to speak to you. For example, in my Thursday Bible Study we’ve been talking about the women Jesus treasured during his earthly ministry. I have been especially drawn to Mary of Bethany and her example of devotion. As I reflected on her story and why it captured my attention, I could see how Jesus’ affirmation of her love and the way she expressed her devotion was also an affirmation of mine. I came to discern that I am called to my morning time. I can enjoy it as it is and it takes on deeper significance as I see it as part of my calling.
Draft a response to this question: At this point in your Christian journey, how do you envision your call to God’s mission in the world? And once you have a draft, share it with a few trusted, safe friends and ask for their feedback. Then prayerfully reflect in your journal on what they share as you continue to refine your statement of God’s call.
Benefits of Discerning Our Calling
I have discovered that I am most alive and feel God’s pleasure when I am serving him in a way that is true to who he created me to be. I am a ____________. How would you finish this sentence?
Some people see themselves as a coach, reconciler, teacher, spiritual friend, or pastoral leader. For the first time ever, as a result of this month’s reflection, I see myself as a creator. That really surprised me, but I can see it’s true. I create opportunities. I create retreats. I create art. I create handouts and Bible studies. I create blog posts. I create so people (usually women, usually women who are in ministry) can flourish.
I’m going to spend this week reflecting on how noticing I am a creator impacts my vision of what God has called me to do during this season of my life. How does the fact that I am a creator shape my vision of how I serve him, advancing his kingdom in the world.
I can see the value of discerning call as a spiritual formation question rather than a supernatural bolt of lightning. Because, if I perceive I am specially called by God to a particular mission, then I have a way to evaluate if a new opportunity is aligned with God’s will for me. Calling also impacts how I view mundane tasks (like changing diapers or working on my computer). How I spend my days takes on a much deeper significance. My investment of time and energy serves a larger purpose.
What has God invited you to do during this season of your life? What is your part of his mission this year?