One day last Autumn I saw a bright red flier, in the reception area of the IofC centre in London, called ‘God’s call on our life’ – a short course led by Dr Philip Boobbyer from the University of Kent. The flier caught my eye, as I have been reflecting on this question ever since I heard Rajmohan Gandhi declare ‘God has a plan for you!’ as he pointed his finger off the stage into the audience at the IofC centre in Caux, Switzerland. At that time I found his claim both reassuring and perplexing.
I have wished ever since that God would make his plan for me a bit more obvious! Last October a group of us embarked on the six-week course, meeting on Thursday evenings at Greencoat Place. Each meeting started with a lovingly prepared meal, which was something to look forward to on those cold evenings. We started the course by reflecting on how we each felt a need to explore God’s Call. We all agreed that in our busy lives we rarely found time to explore our deeper purpose. Each meeting gave us the chance to read from the Bible and from a number of authors including Henry Drummond. Philip selected excerpts, which we read aloud and then took time to discuss and explore.
We were able to encourage each other by sharing our own personal experiences of searching for God’s Call. One evening during our conversations I felt an overwhelming sense of relief as I contemplated the possibility there would never be a ceremonial unveiling of God’s Plan. It occurred to me for the first time that God’s plan could be something much more everyday, and didn’t have to involve a powerful position or career move. I realised that God’s call could be revealed and practised in everyday human interactions. This was quite a shift for me, and one of which I have to keep reminding myself. I reflected for the first time how small everyday steps can lead to a life more in tune with God’s calling.
In later meetings we talked about much more far-reaching actions on a national scale, but for me, I was more inspired by the possibility of fulfilling God’s plan in my daily actions. So now when I smile to somebody in the supermarket, or help a colleague with a problem, I feel reassured that these are not frustrating obstacles on the way to finding God’s plan, but that they may in fact be God’s plan. Since the course has finished a few of us have met for dinner and admitted that we really miss our time together, and agreed to meet again soon to continue exploring God’s call on our lives.
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