January 25: You have a Unique Vocation

Gregg’s Reflection

One of the hardest truths to embrace is that we matter to God and have a unique role in His grand design. For years, my “Not Good Enough” posture kept me from imagining I could be useful to God. Over time, I’ve come to believe that a spark of the Divine is in each of us. We are born into unique circumstances—our family, culture, time, and place—and God looks different in each person according to that uniqueness.

Our task is to discover and live out that unique expression. For me, this became clear as I worked with young adults who could not access the wisdom of the journey because of strained relationships with their fathers. Slowly, I began to see that my experiences had prepared me to mentor and coach these emerging leaders. As I moved toward the “shapes in the mist,” the fullness of my calling began to take form.

Scripture

Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:1–2

Ancient Quotes

Whatever you see your soul to desire according to God, do that thing, and you shall keep your heart safe.

St. Anthony the Great, in Thomas Merton, The Wisdom of the Desert, p. 7

Modern Quotes

You have to start trusting your unique vocation and allow it to grow deeper and stronger in you so it can blossom in your community… Be very faithful to do well the few things I am called to do and hold on to the joy and peace they bring me.

Henri Nouwen, Nouwen Society Daily Devotional, 12/22/20 

Journaling Prompts

• How would you describe your unique calling in one sentence?
  
  
• What makes it distinct from what others are called to do?
  
  
• What’s one concrete way you could live into it more fully right now?
  
  
• What must be pruned away to allow more fruit to be borne in your calling from God?

👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 4 Reflection: Calling