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What is Discernment?

Discernment is the life-long process of listening to one’s life and to God to discover how to live out one’s calling in this world.  In discerning one’s calling, we seek to listen humbly to how God is inwardly shaping us and moving us toward his purposes.  Romans 12 provides a helpful framework for how to begin discerning God’s calling in our lives.

1. Present our lives to God – Romans 12:1
2. Create space for God’s transformation of our lives by focusing on God and continually renewing our thinking and perspectives – Romans 12:2
3. Let discernment of God’s will grow within you as God shapes you – Romans 12: 2
4. Take a good look at yourself – enter a season of life review – Romans 12: 3
5. Consider how God has designed you, gifted you, called you – Romans 12: 4-8
6. Focus on love and service toward others – Romans 12: 9 – 11
7. Hold on to hope, be patient in the process, persevere in prayer – Romans 12: 12

There is not one way to discern your calling, but perhaps it could be helpful to walk through these steps outlined in Romans over time.  Regularly present yourself to God and create space for God to transform you, and then enter a season of self-reflection where you take a good look at yourself and consider how you might contribute to this world through your particular personality, interests, gifts, strengths, skills and values.

Asking questions of ourselves can sometimes draw out clues about our calling.

Who am I?
What makes me unique?
What brings me the greatest joy?
What are the deepest desires of my heart?
What do I love to do?
What are my strongest interests?
How would I most like to spend my time?
What do I do well?
When I set aside longings for security, wealth, comfort, fame, or acceptance, what do I long for?
If I could be one thing and do one thing with my life, what would I want it to be?
What needs in the world am I most drawn to?
Where do I see the brokenness of the world?
In what ways would I most like to contribute to the world?