A major theme in this Sundays bible readings, concerns what the church over the centuries has come to understand as Calling. It’s that inner sense that God is calling us to a specific task or duty.
A calling can be something that we may discern as individuals. I’ve often asked myself the question, ‘what is that God is calling me to do?’ In communities we often share the same searching questions, ‘what is God calling us to do and to be, in this place at this time?’
Sometimes we can be blessed when God appears to answer our questions in clear and simple revelations. There are many stories in scripture and life generally, where people report that they have clearly heard the very word of God guiding and instructing them as to where the path ahead lies.
But that’s not always the case and often we receive answers in quieter and more subtle ways. These prompts may be shown to us through the words and actions of the people around us, in the sense of ‘right fit’ in our work or pastimes, and in the simple string of apparent coincidences that take us in a direction that feels in tune with things. Our hearts may even be singing!
Our sense of Calling can often become clearer if we commit to stepping out of our usual expectations, comfort zones, fears, and habits. In my experience this can be easier to do by placing our trust in the one who is calling us.
During prayer regularly ask the question, ‘Lord, what do you want me to be and do, in this place, at this time? Trusting always that he will help you to carry the burden of your fears, the very real concerns of your heart, and give you courage and wisdom moment by moment to be just as he wants you to be.
Amen.
Fr Gareth Ingham
Feature image: Firth of Forth from Nairn, (c) Meres & Meadows Messenger