A Thought
Dear friends,
Fascinatingly, the word for “calling” in Scripture is vocare, which comes from Latin meaning “to hear.” Vocation isn’t something we decide, but rather something we hear and receive from God. You hear much differently than I do! You’re made so uniquely from me! We may share an end goal, but the way that plays out through your story, your lenses, and your design makes your individual vocation (as well as your specific community) a unique and unrepeatable expression of God’s creativity in the world—and gives you a unique window on God’s character.
Emily P. Freeman talks about looking back to look forward when making decisions, “finding your timeless classics.” To begin to receive our vocations, we might look back over our lives to trace the threads of passion, talent, creativity, and clarity that start in our childhoods. These things may or may not end up being our careers, but they will help us uncover the gifts of being truly known and invited to good things by our Father who loves us.
The Ripple Effect
In this Ripple Effect, we focus a Lectio Divina (Scripture meditation) on John 1 and John’s unique sense of vocation. What just might shimmer to you?
Listen Now (Episode 17: Receiving Your Vocation from God)
Scripture
Ephesians 1:18-21: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (NIV).
Questions to Ponder
- In what ways have you “received” your vocation from God throughout your life? In what ways are you unique and unrepeatable?
- What does it mean to steward God’s grace in your current context?
- What aspect of vocation is most challenging to you?
- If you ask God to show you the threads of your vocation (through your passions, talents, and sense of His presence and pleasure), what does He say?
Resources
- “The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life” by Os Guinness
- “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation” by Parker J. Palmer
- “Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work” by Timothy Keller
- “Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work” by Tom Nelson
- “Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good” by Amy L. Sherman
May you clearly see the threads of your story in Jesus weaving throughout your unrepeatable life.
Lyndi Markus
Train – Develop – Care
