Through the Waters
About this blog
Through the Waters is the blog of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Christian vocation ministries. Because the ministry of Christian vocation affirms the need for all baptized Christians – including Presbyterians - to identify and claim their call to discipleship in each decision and life choice, this blog is designed to serve as a resource for youth and young adults, as well as those in ministry with them, to assist the Holy Spirit in God’s movement in this journey through the waters. Take some time to read and think about your own responses to the questions posed here. For additional resources, we suggest that you visit our website.
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Story Telling
There is no question that God touches our lives in very different ways. We come to know God in ways that may not be similar to that of our neighbor. None of us travels the same path down the journey of faith.
He felt the movement of the Holy Spirit at a confirmation retreat during a song. Having been a part of a band and being a proclaimed musician, this was an emotional experience.
She grew up going to summer camp and experienced God’s presence through a mission experience as a part of that camp. She cannot imagine her life without having had that occurrence. It changed her actions from that point forward.
He knew as a third grader that God had some amazing things in store. He listened to those around him who confirmed that his gifts were needed to be in ministry with others in a unique way.
She identified that the relationships she formed early in college were not helping her grow in her journey. As a senior in college now, she sees how God was in her decisions to seek out more healthy relationships.
While I have known that our stories of faith and our experiences with God are very different, I was given a gift recently by being able to be with a group of college students while they shared these stories, portions of their walks, with me. I still get chills thinking about these amazing students who were willing to share their journeys, not only with me but also recorded on video.
The Scriptures help us learn more about the stories of God’s people and God’s presence within and through them. We learn more about who God is. By hearing the stories of those who lived long ago and those who live with us today, we grow in relationship with God and with each other and learn more about how to identify God’s movement within the community. Through the process of looking at our own lives and God’s presence within it, we not only grow closer to God, we also learn who God may be calling us to be.
If you are in college and can take some time out of your spring break to grow in this relationship with God and with each other, join us outside Tampa, FL or in Chicago, IL for a discernment retreat – a chance to listen for God’s voice calling out to each of us. You, too, will have an opportunity to learn more about your story, the stories of others, and how that intersects with God’s story. If you are interested in the Florida event, visit http://www.pcusa.org/events/19971/growing-discernment-college-students-florida/. To find out more about the event in Chicago and to register online, visit http://www.pcusa.org/events/19972/growing-discernment-college-students-illinois/.
If you thought of your life as a journey, what would be the stepping stones along that path, the times that were significant?
How can you identify God’s presence and action within those events?
Can you hear God’s call to you through those events or experiences?
Consider sharing one of the stories of God moving through your life.
- Posted at 9:14 a.m.
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