Listen, God is Calling
“Listen, God is calling, through the Word inviting. Offering forgiveness, comfort, and joy!” - hymn #513
“See, I am about to do a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19a
Back in September and October, small groups gathered at Grace for a Bible study to explore how we listen to God’s call for each of us, and how we might experience God’s invitation in and through the congregation, in our personal discipleship, and from the community. In our conversations, we remembered the promise that God is always with us, as we discern where God is calling us, individually and as a congregation, as we live out our faith in our daily lives.
Our faith should have something to say about how we engage in and with the world – the way we share the love of God in Christ with others. God loves each of us abundantly, and Jesus commands us to share that love with others: to love God and to love our neighbors and even to love those we perceive as our enemies. Neighborliness in Christ is lived out in love with compassion and mercy towards others. Jesus has also called us to do God’s work in the world.
This looks different for each of us, depending on the gifts we have and how God calls us to use those gifts. It starts with doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly (Micah 6:8). Theologian Walter Brueggeman wrote this week: It is the work of peace-making. It is the work of truth-telling. It is the work of justice-doing.
As we hear and receive in our hearts the good news of God in Christ Jesus, we are transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit by God’s love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and grace. We are transformed by God’s promises of resurrection and new life.
During November and December, I encourage all of us to consider the various ways we might be called to live in response to God’s love for us, to share our gifts with others, and to serve our communities and neighbors. Some resources that might be helpful in your reflection:
In 2025, look for more opportunities to discern your gifts and ways to share and serve!
