Discerning God's call and God's Gifts

[Dennis J. Klinzing Sr.]

I have continued reading "What Shall I Say?" I have come across a passage that is confusing. I am in dire need of help. I quote directly from the book. "Discernment is the dynamic procoess of discovering God's call in ever dimension of life. The process incorporates the whole person - head and heart, passion and logic, faith and doubt, challenge and mystery." "God does the choosing not the individual".
The very notion of self-appointed and self - proclaimed leaders contradicts what it means to be leader in the church".
I really need another's perspective of what is being said. I am baffled with "doubt", self - appointed and self - proclaimed". My sense of calling is very seduced. Nohing dramatic. I hear myself being called, I am being influenced by my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am feeling and knowing that I am finally going in the right direction.
Is this me being self - proclaimed, self - appointed? Is this me choossing myself, and not God doing the choosing? I am concerned because I am doubting. I view doubting as not trusting in God, heaven knows that is not the truth with me. I have unwavering trust in my Father. I do not want to become a providence to His mission. Someone please help me.

[Kristen]

Those are really good questions. I think one answer to the "self-proclaimed" question you are asking is already being answered by you! God doesn't place people in a vaccum. We live our lives influenced by those around us. Those are the people who encourage us, help us name our gifts aloud, and sometimes challenge us. When those around us affirm a call to ministry---that is often an "external call" that helps to affirm the "internal call" we have been sensing. Then--the process of candidacy, etc. helps with a system of checks and balances to make sure that we are being prepared in the best way to be a leader in the church. What I usually say is that God works not in a vaccum, but through those around us to help us recognize and identify and practice our various callings. Doubt is normal----it is a part of human experience. The Lutheran understanding of vocation helps us to realize that we NEVER have to doubt that our life's work and purpose can be used for the glory of God. It doesn't matter what job we have-we are always serving the world for the sake of Christ. We can be assured of that-there is no doubt. Then--the next phase is to hone in on specific callings---and figure out if a particular job isthe best use of our God-given skills, gifts, talents and abilities. "What Shall I Say" is doing it's job if it is helping you to think through those very questions. It sounds like you are on an interesting journey---and I have no doubt that it will be filled with lots of prayerful conversations!