A time for commitment?

It is September 2021!

During my prayer over the last few months, I feel that God has been placing something in my heart. I cannot pinpoint exactly what it is, however, I know it’s something that has me feeling very restless. I think, a lot of times, the changes that the Holy Spirit brings forth can be challenging and even daunting. This restless feeling is a bit frustrating when you don’t know where the Spirit is moving you to – especially with an impatient person like me!

The recurring image that the Spirit has placed in my path over the last few months has been the Paschal Mystery. I wasn’t able to understand that though, until it was shared with me very explicitly again. We are so quick to let go or reflect on the bad things in our lives. It’s harder to look at the experiences of ‘good’ in our lives to see where the Spirit may be calling us to a new direction. It is in the dying, after all, that new life can be born.

As I learn more about who Jesus is and reflect on what he’s done in my life, I think about my response to Him. Am I in the right place? Am I doing things according to His will or mine? Am I fulfilling the purpose He has for me? There’s a deep connection to the good experiences that I don’t want to let go of. It formed the person I am today. But there is a need to constantly reflect on where God is calling us. It’s never too late to learn methods of discerning. Discernment is part of living as a Christian. Hearing the voice of God is how we can see and act on where God is calling us to move for His Kingdom here on earth, not ours.

Easy right? Not at all! But leaning into what the Holy Spirit is placing in our hearts and in our environment aids in that discernment. I’m grateful for the wonderful gifts of others to help me reflect and hear the voice of God. I’m grateful for the experiences that I go through to be a better version of myself. This restlessness that I am feeling means that the ball is in my court, I have to willingly make the decisions. Can I make the commitment to follow through what has emerged in my heart through prayer? YES. But I need the community and I need to be open to how God is speaking to me through others.

There is no doubt this year has brought on many challenges, fear and uncertainty. But the gifts that have emerged and grown through these challenges have also surfaced. All of us, the Body of Christ, are in need of one another to build the Kingdom of God.  And while we may not know what lies ahead of us years from now, months from now, even days from now, we are assured of Jesus’ presence with us through it all.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs: 16:3