At my church’s Christmas Eve service last night, we recited a call to worship that I needed to hear. It was Madeleine L’Engle’s First Coming, which begins:
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
As we recited these lines, my thoughts immediately turned toward national and global issues: international conflict, refugees, climate change. I had needed that reminder that God sent his Son in a time of deep anguish. Jesus walked among us as we were, not as He hoped we would be.
But during my quiet time today, it occurred to me that L’Engle’s poem also speaks to me as an individual. How many times have I shied away from a prompting or calling, feeling “unsteady” and certainly not “ready”? But we have a God who works in us when we step into God’s plan.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
It defies conventional wisdom, doesn’t it? So many times we are required to pass a test, prove our qualifications, list our experiences, produce references. It’s no wonder that we shrug off that calling, assuming that God “can’t mean me.”
This year, I’ve challenged myself to follow those promptings. I began the formation process and took my novice vows for the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans. I volunteered to teach an adult Sunday School class. After months — years, actually — of discernment, I am considering training to become a spiritual director.
“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23 (NLT)
Do I feel qualified to do by of these things? Nope. For now I will rest in the knowledge that God’s perspective is a heck of a lot better than mine. If I am correctly discerning a calling, the necessary guidance and pathways will be there if I cooperate. And God’s loving course corrections will keep me moving toward His purpose for my life.
So take heart in God’s purpose for your life. As Madeleine L’Engle wrote,
“We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice.”
Season’s blessings to you!
Wow Judith...what a truth rendering proclamation to discernment and God's calling in our lives. This post is precisely what I was hoping to hear today. Thank you so much. Blessings on your journey.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found the post encouraging. God is great. Blessings to you on your journey as well!
DeleteBeautifully written. I love that phrase, ready and unsteady. Jesus told his Apostles not to worry about what to say when called up in the synagogues and judgement chambers. The Holy Spirit would tell them what to say. Congratulations on your new endeavors and many blessings to you this new year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cecilia. I think that Madeleine L’Engle chose perfect words in that poem. Indeed, the Holy Spirit steadies us when we are called. Wishing all good things for you this new year!
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