1.2 Recognizing and Answering God's Call
The journey of discovering one's life purpose involves a balance of personal reflection, silence, and community, guided by the recognition of unique gifts and a call to partner with God in restoring the world.
Picking Up the Pen
Have you ever questioned if your life truly has a purpose? It’s a deeply human question, and the answer is always, resoundingly, "yes." But finding this purpose isn’t always straightforward.
We explore the journey of discovering this calling, which we believe is a partnership with God in restoring the world. Josh and Trent discuss a three-part metaphor for navigating life.
We each hold a unique giftedness, a calling to bring restoration. As we discern and draw this map, we become co-creators with God. So, pick up your pen. Find your compass. And let your map guide you to live purposefully, embracing each change along the way.
We explore the journey of discovering this calling, which we believe is a partnership with God in restoring the world. Josh and Trent discuss a three-part metaphor for navigating life.
- The Cartographer: You are the map-maker, but the work starts by picking up the pen. Purpose requires active engagement, not passive waiting.
- The Compass: To move in the right direction, you need a "true north." Knowing your core values helps you navigate life’s distractions and stay on course.
- The Adaptive Map: Life shifts and your map must evolve with it. Rather than a rigid plan, build an "adaptive map" that flexes with each new season.
We each hold a unique giftedness, a calling to bring restoration. As we discern and draw this map, we become co-creators with God. So, pick up your pen. Find your compass. And let your map guide you to live purposefully, embracing each change along the way.
Discussion Questions
- What does the concept of 'partnering with God' in life's journey mean to you? Discuss this idea in the context of your personal beliefs or experiences.
- Can you recall a moment of silence that significantly impacted your life's direction? How did it shape your understanding of your purpose?
- How do you personally balance solitude with community in your spiritual practice? Share your methods or discuss the challenges you face.
- How might the metaphor of map-making apply to different aspects of your life, beyond just your spiritual journey?
- Discuss the importance of an 'adaptive map'. How have adaptations in your life's path served your growth and purpose?
- What roles have figures in your life played as guides, akin to Josh’s father in the podcast? How did their guidance influence your decisions?
- Explore the idea of 'redeeming loneliness'. How can loneliness be transformed into a spiritually and emotionally beneficial experience?
Participate in the conversation.
This podcast is a companion to the book Map Your Life Mission (download for free or buy on Amazon). Trent and Josh tell stories, ask personal questions, develop the Adaptive Map framework, and connect the Biblical narrative in each episode.
