After you read and think about these passages, find someone you trust with whom to share your thoughts.  A trusted friend, chaplain, or pastor might be a good place to start. Keep seeking, keep listening and keep praying. God has called you by name – you belong to God.

Old Testament:

God Calls Abraham (Genesis 12:1-5)

God Calls Moses (Exodus 3:1-12)

God Calls Ruth (Ruth 1:15-18)

God Calls Samuel (I Samuel 3:1-10)

God Calls David (I Samuel 16:6-13)

God Calls Esther (Esther 4:9-17)

God Calls Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-19)

New Testament:

The Baptism, Temptation and Beginning of Jesus’ Ministry (Matthew 3:13–4:25)

Jesus’ Resurrection – Mary Magdalene and the Other Mary (Matthew 28:1-10)

God Calls Mary (Luke 1:26-38)

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-30)

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)

God Calls Lydia (Acts 16:11-15)

God Calls Timothy (I Timothy 4:6-16)

Fr. Paul fervently prayed for confirmation of his covenant with Mother Lurana.  He didn’t have to wait long for an answer.  He opened the Bible at random to these words in Hebrews:

“When God made promise to Abraham because He could swear by no greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessings I will bless thee; and multiplying, I will multiply thee.’ And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise.” (Hebrews 6: 13-14)

With this passage, peace and consolation returned to his soul.

Of course, this was far from the last time that Fr. Paul stared down grave doubt. The trials and tribulations they faced (in founding an order, transitioning from an Anglican order to Roman Catholic, and growing the Society of the Atonement through the years) never abated. But neither did Fr. Paul’s fervent faith and prayer for more faith: “Oh God, establish us in the truest humility and entire dependence on Thee, that our faith fail not!”

STORY-BASED QUESTIONS

How does this story resonate with you?

What is God revealing to you about your call through this story?