To many people, the word vocation means something far removed from ordinary, everyday life, as if God’s calling is reserved for someone else.
The truth, though, is that God’s call has never been reserved only for those who serve the church in ordained or vowed ministry. In his critique of the corruption in the church of his day, Martin Luther repeatedly cited 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.”
That might mean finding vocation at work or school. What would Jesus say to this client? How would Jesus address this student or professor? How might Jesus respond to this supervisor?
Vocation might mean something outside paid work or school. It might mean work in the family: As caregiver for children, parents or a spouse. It might mean writing, or volunteering, or organizing.
You’ll likely find that your vocation, your calling from God, will shift throughout your life. As you grow in faith and trust of the Lord, you will sense God’s calling shifting with your circumstances. Timing matters.
This message is excerpted from “Vocation and timing” by Angela Denker in the April 2018 Café online magazine.
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