Discerning God's Call is A Journey of Purpose and Fulfillment

GOD'S CALL

God's call is the invitation that God extends to each of us to follow him and to live a life of love and service. It is a call to holiness, to become more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds.

God's call is often heard in the still, small voice of our hearts. It may come to us through prayer, through reading the Bible, or through our relationships with others. It may be a specific call to a particular vocation, such as priesthood, religious life, or marriage. Or, it may be a more general call to serve God in our everyday lives.

No matter how God calls us, he always respects our freedom. He does not force us to follow him. But when we do choose to follow him, he promises to be with us every step of the way.

Here are some examples of God's call in the Bible:

• God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new land. (Genesis 12:1-4)
• God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. (Exodus 3:1-10)
• God called Samuel to be a prophet. (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
• God called David to be king of Israel. (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
• God called Isaiah to be a prophet. (Isaiah 6:1-8)
• God called Jeremiah to be a prophet. (Jeremiah 1:1-10)
• God called Daniel to be a prophet. (Daniel 1:1-7)
• God called John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus. (Luke 1:5-25)
• God called the disciples to follow Jesus. (Matthew 4:18-22)
• God called Paul to be a missionary to the Gentiles. (Acts 9:1-19)

These are just a few examples of the many people in the Bible who were called by God to do great things. God calls each of us in our own unique way. He knows our talents and our gifts, and he calls us to use them to serve him and to build his kingdom.

So, how can you discern God's call in your life? Here are a few tips:

• Spend time in prayer. Prayer is the best way to communicate with God and to discern his will for your life. Ask God to reveal his plan for your life. Be open to his voice and be willing to listen.
• Read the Bible regularly. The Bible is God's word, and it is full of wisdom and guidance. The Bible is full of stories of people who were called by God. As you read Scripture, pay attention to the passages that speak to you and that challenge you.
• Talk to a trusted spiritual advisor. A priest, pastor, or religious leader can help you to discern God's call in your life.
• Be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God's presence within us, and he can guide us in our decision-making.
• Pay attention to your gifts and talents. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? God may be calling you to use your gifts and talents to serve him and others.
• Be open to opportunities. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and to try new things. God may be calling you to something that you never expected.

If you are unsure about God's call for your life, don't be afraid to ask him. He is always willing to guide us if we are open to his leading.