Discernment in Community

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2

Maybe it’s because I recently celebrated my 39th birthday, or maybe it’s because I’ve been doing my current vocation for longer than I’ve ever done anything else, but I’ve felt new questions rising inside of me lately—questions related to calling and purpose. I find myself wondering if this season of life is fading, if something new is getting ready to move in.

It’s a little scary. A little exciting.

* * * * *

I am an isolated person, by both choice and by circumstance. I’m self-employed and I work at home. I enjoy silence and solitude. I’m mostly self-sufficient.

I’m also realizing these are not helpful traits when it comes to discerning the perfect will of God for my life, especially as I enter into what feels like a time of transition. Yes, there is an important part of discernment that involves listening and prayer, because the world is, after all, a noisy place, and it’s easy to drown in all of the controversy and outrage.

But I’m learning that true discernment requires community. There is something in expressing my story, explaining my heart, and sharing my dreams with someone else that adds clarity to the search for purpose and meaning. I’ve felt a very strong sense that this is the year that I’m supposed to confide in others and draw from their wisdom.

I find myself forming two mini-communities: one, a small group of four who I plan to go to for professional development; and, two, another small group of four, each of whom have stepped forward to help me better discern God’s spiritual call on my life.

There is a pattern in this world that trends towards self-reliance and independence. Is God calling you to better discern your purpose with the help of community?

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

Have you ever considered that God would like to help you better discern his plans for your life through community and not through an individual revelation? Are there people in your life you would like to ask for formal, deliberate feedback?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see the wise people you have placed around me. Give me the bravery to ask for help in discerning your will, and give those I ask the grace to say yes as well as the wisdom to see. Amen.