Take the Next Faithful Step

IN FOLLOWING JESUS

God is always calling each and every one of us, inviting us to follow more closely, to take the next faithful step. In big ways and small ways, God nudges us and calls us deeper into living lives of loving God and loving our neighbors. Discernment is the word we use when we think about how to determine the next faithful step—discernment is different from decision-making, and it’s different from just letting things happen. Discernment is a way to intentionally listen for God’s call and to explore our possible responses, and then to reflect on the next way that God may be calling us.

This discernment process can be used by individuals and by groups. It can be used to explore huge, life-changing questions like what vocation you may be called to or whether or not to marry or have children. It can be used to explore smaller questions like whether a group should undertake a new project that has been suggested. It is designed to be used over and over, and even to become a way of life. The amount of time discernment takes varies with experience and the size of the issue. This is not always a quick process, and sometimes discernment can take a real investment of time.

Yours in the abundant life of Christ,

+Betsey

The Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa

I am here with God

Remember that wherever you go, you are there with God. Discernment can happen anywhere and any time. Practice listening for God in different ways —through silence, or reading scripture, or talking with people you trust. You can go for a walk in nature and listen for God in the silence as you walk.

Try This:

Make time and space to be still with God wherever is comfortable for you. Pray for openness to this process and to hearing God’s call - and don’t be surprised if through these steps you discover God might be calling you to discern a different question. Engage each of the steps one at a time, using the questions that speak to what you are discerning.

What is stirring in me?

• What is sparking my attention, my spirit, my curiosity?

• What’s not feeling right in the world or my life?

• What is keeping me up at night?

• What is bothering me and troubling the waters of my life?

What is God’s invitation?

God is always inviting us to take the next faithful step, whether that looks like a change or like going deeper with something we are already doing. God is always moving and working in our lives. This step helps us wonder what God is inviting us to now.

Try This:

Either privately in a journal, or out loud with a trusted friend or group, ask yourself: what might God be inviting me to consider or do next? What is God guiding me to be or do? Is there a direction even if there isn’t a clear destination? Are there biblical images or texts that come to mind?

How do I respond?

God will always call us in ways in which we are capable of responding and that are in accordance with loving God and our neighbors. As you think about how you might respond to God’s call, remember: you are not alone in this. God is with you, and there are other people who care about you and can help you as you continue to listen for God’s call and discern how you will respond.

Try This:

Either privately in a journal, or out loud with a trusted friend or group, think about and sort possible paths or options in response to God’s invitation. Once you have some possibilities, imagine trying one of them. Imagine as many details as you can about what that response might be like, and ask yourself how that possible response makes you feel. Does your imagined response bring you a sense of peace and movement toward God? Does it bring you distress and a sense of movement away from God? Imagine a different response, and see how your feelings change. When you find a response that gives you a sense of peace and movement toward God, try that one in real life.

I am here with God