We make hundreds of decisions every day. Most of the decisions are small: what to wear for the day, what to eat for lunch, or the best route to take on snowy day. Some decisions take a little more mental energy: how to best respond to an email, the most efficient process to reach a shortterm goal, or where your next vacation might be.
As Cursillistas, we know that God is in all the things that make up our lives, all choices, big or small. How do you know if you are actually discerning His will for your life, or simply making decisions based on your own selfish desires or priorities?
Prayer is speaking to God. Discernment is listening to God and His will for your life. There are many good methods to use in prayer. Discernment is more difficult because it requires us to be still to listen and be attuned to messages given by God in multiple ways.
In grouping, we are used to telling our stories of seeing God working in our lives. Recognizing and reporting is important. It is encouraging to those listening. Is there more? Are you listening to God beyond recognition that He is in your life? Is He calling you beyond the usual things in your life to become the person He wants you to be, to lead you further into discipleship?
From our own personal experience, we discovered what God wills for us is not usually what we would choose to do based on our own selfish desires. Even just entertaining God’s idea creates nervousness and fear. That is because we are human and He most often asks us to do something that is not in our comfort zone. What He is asking causes discomfort because it stretches us to grow toward better discipleship.
Also from personal experience, we have learned that He calms our fears, and gives us the tools right when we need them to do exactly what He wishes. A surprise we discovered is that each challenge presented is countered with unexpected blessings that bring deep joy.
Along the way, we have learned to trust and depend on God more fully. Following God’s will involves some kind of sacrifice. In giving up parts of who we think we are, we find who God thinks we are and that leads to a freedom you cannot get any other way. This is a challenge followed by blessing.
At the next School of Leaders we will hear how one Cursillista is listening to God’s will for him and how he is acting in faith to follow. Join us to start the New Year with a different perspective on decision-making.
God bless you friends!
Larry & Jeanne Bendzinski
