Galatians 1:11-17
When we hear the word “calling”, we sometimes imagine something dramatic. A sudden revelation. A life-changing decision. A clear sense that God has something extraordinary planned for us.
Paul’s story certainly has that kind of drama. His encounter with Christ completely redirected his life and set him on a new path.
But not every calling comes with a moment as dramatic as Paul’s. Sometimes – most of the time – God’s call comes quietly. It might sound like a persistent thought to reach out to someone, a desire to use a gift you have been neglecting, a sense that it is time to let something go, or simply a growing awareness that God is inviting you to take one small step in a new direction.
Calling doesn’t always mean “Go somewhere else.” Sometimes it means “Pay attention to what is happening right here, right now.” The challenge is that our lives are full of voices telling us what we should do. Family, friends, culture, expectations, responsibilities, even our own fears can all speak loudly.
Listening for God’s call begins by making enough space to hear something quieter.
This week’s spiritual practice invites us into that sacred kind of listening. So I invite you to set aside a few quiet minutes each day this week. Take a few slow breaths and let yourself become still.
Then ask God one simple question:
“What are you inviting me toward?”
Don’t rush to find an answer. Just sit with the question. Notice what comes to mind. Maybe it’s a person, a possibility, a concern, a gift, or something you’ve been putting off. Maybe nothing comes to mind at all. That’s okay too.
If something does surface, don’t immediately assume it is a command. Simply hold it gently and ask:
“Does this invitation lead me toward love, compassion, courage, peace, or deeper life?”
You might even write down what you notice. Over the course of the week, look for patterns. Sometimes God’s call becomes clearer through the same gentle invitation appearing again and again.
And remember: you don’t need to know the entire journey. You only need to listen for the next faithful step.
Paul didn’t begin with a complete map of his future. He simply responded to the encounter with Christ that changed the direction of his life.
Maybe the same can be true for us. We listen. We notice. And when the invitation becomes clear, we take the next step.
Let’s pray:
God who calls us, quiet the voices that crowd our hearts and help us make space for you. Give us ears to hear your invitations, wisdom to recognize your voice, and courage to take the next faithful step. Wherever you are leading us, remind us that we do not walk alone. AMEN