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Discernment
God calls us in cryptic ways that are nothing like getting a text from a friends. (Shutterstock Image)
Special to United Methodist Insight
Discerning God’s call is something Christians, both individually and collectively, struggle with. To be fair, it’s difficult. In individual lives or within the church collective, we try to figure out what God is calling us to do. We want a clear answer, a flashing neon sign that says, "This is it!" But let's be honest, God doesn't usually work that way. Even with a very clear, direct question, God rarely connects with something as clear or direct as we are hoping for.
God's call isn't a text message from your friend; texts like:
“Meet me at Jenny’s house so we can carpool.”
“Stop texting your ex, it never ends well.”
“Got a flat tire, not going to be there on time.”
God’s messages are not clear-cut text messages. Instead, consider them like they’re a treasure hunt. Instead of a straightforward answer, it's a mysterious invitation to explore. It’s more like the cryptic messages I get from my mom.
Ever received a cryptic text? It's a string of emojis, a vague reference, a question mark, a response to a question you didn’t ask. It's puzzling, intriguing, and you can't help but wonder what it means. God's call is similar. It's a nudge, a whisper, a gut feeling. It's a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit, a question that keeps you up at night.
The unexpected is God's playground. The call might come in a dream, a conversation, a song. It might be a passion that ignites, a burden for a certain cause, or a deep sense of longing for something more. And it is always so much more than we could ever think to ask on our own. Our own vision and goals are often too small, too narrow, too short-sighted. When we invite God into collaboration and listen for the unexpected, we are called to do something amazing.
The unexpected is a journey, and that journey is often messy. It's not a straight line from point A to point B. It's a winding road with detours and surprise turns. It's facing your fears, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing the unknown.
So, how do we embrace this cryptic text message of an invitation?
- Be curious: Ask broad questions, seek unique answers, and be open to where the journey takes you. Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Asking God is taking the first step in an adventure.
- Listen intently: Pay attention to the whispers of your heart, the nudges of the Spirit, and the signs along the way. Be present to the moment and open to the unexpected. Understand that what you are receiving from God is likely not what you asked for directly but will lead you somewhere new.
- Embrace the mystery: Don't try to force a clear answer. Lean into the ambiguity and trust that the path will unfold as you walk it. Faith in God is trusting that wherever God leads, it is far greater than what you could’ve ever done alone.
- Find your community: Surround yourself with people who will support you, challenge you, and journey alongside you. Together, you can decipher the clues and discover the treasure, especially in a collective call in a church. The people around you are sounding boards, cheerleaders, other call receivers, and the support you may need to follow where God is leading.
God's call is not a formula or a checklist. It's an invitation to adventure, a journey of discovery, and a treasure hunt that leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose. Discernment isn’t simple or clear. It is looking at the jumbled text message and knowing that somewhere in there is an invitation to something new or different. So open yourself up to the unexpected. Ask bold questions, follow into weird places, and let the adventure begin.
Kellen Roggenbuck
Licensed Local Pastor Kellen Roggenbuck serves Stoughton UMC in the Wisconsin Annual Conference and teaches Evangelism and Discipleship at the Iowa Conference Licensing School.