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Day 34 – Vocation
I still remember the precise moment – about two weeks before college graduation – when I realized with growing terror that very soon, college would end, and I would have to do…something. At that moment I would have loved for a prophet to suddenly appear (as Samuel does in 1 Kings 16), or better still, for an angel to show up (like Gabriel does in Luke 1) and announce: “You have been chosen; you have been called! Here is what you will do!” Instead, my call would unfold in a way much more like what we see in Acts 16, in the story of Lydia. In her case, it was a conversation, a seemingly chance meeting in the midst of her ordinary routine, and, alongside that, something more subtle and inward. Acts 16 tells us simply: “The Lord opened her heart.”
In some ways, Lydia’s story is the most remarkable of the three. She was alert enough to hear God’s call in the midst of her routine. Additionally, though she was a successful businesswoman, she was wise enough to recognize a claim on her life – a vocation – that was bigger and broader than simply her job or career. Moreover, disciplined and gifted as Lydia no doubt was, she entered into her calling, not by determination and aptitude, but by receptivity. “The Lord opened her heart.” Finally, it was not up to any of these three to undertake this vocation alone. In both David’s case (1 Samuel 16:13), and Mary’s (Luke 1:35) it is the Holy Spirit who makes possible what they cannot do themselves. Lydia, likewise, enters a community made up of those with a similar calling. She is baptized along with her household, and invites Paul and his companions to come and stay in her home (Acts 16:15).
God has a calling, a vocation, which is extended to each of us. That calling includes, but is not limited to, our work. It also encompasses who we are in our families, our friendships, our churches, and our communities. May each of us be as alert, wise, and receptive as Lydia as we listen for God’s call. And may we be just as eager to welcome the help of others and of God’s Holy Spirit, as we respond.
STEVE GUTHRIE | Associate Professor of Theology and Religion of the Arts
I still remember the precise moment – about two weeks before college graduation – when I realized with growing terror that very soon, college would end, and I would have to do…something. At that moment I would have loved for a prophet to suddenly appear (as Samuel does in 1 Kings 16), or better still, for an angel to show up (like Gabriel does in Luke 1) and announce: “You have been chosen; you have been called! Here is what you will do!” Instead, my call would unfold in a way much more like what we see in Acts 16, in the story of Lydia. In her case, it was a conversation, a seemingly chance meeting in the midst of her ordinary routine, and, alongside that, something more subtle and inward. Acts 16 tells us simply: “The Lord opened her heart.”
In some ways, Lydia’s story is the most remarkable of the three. She was alert enough to hear God’s call in the midst of her routine. Additionally, though she was a successful businesswoman, she was wise enough to recognize a claim on her life – a vocation – that was bigger and broader than simply her job or career. Moreover, disciplined and gifted as Lydia no doubt was, she entered into her calling, not by determination and aptitude, but by receptivity. “The Lord opened her heart.” Finally, it was not up to any of these three to undertake this vocation alone. In both David’s case (1 Samuel 16:13), and Mary’s (Luke 1:35) it is the Holy Spirit who makes possible what they cannot do themselves. Lydia, likewise, enters a community made up of those with a similar calling. She is baptized along with her household, and invites Paul and his companions to come and stay in her home (Acts 16:15).
God has a calling, a vocation, which is extended to each of us. That calling includes, but is not limited to, our work. It also encompasses who we are in our families, our friendships, our churches, and our communities. May each of us be as alert, wise, and receptive as Lydia as we listen for God’s call. And may we be just as eager to welcome the help of others and of God’s Holy Spirit, as we respond.
STEVE GUTHRIE | Associate Professor of Theology and Religion of the Arts
About this Plan
This 40 day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
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We would like to thank the students, faculty & staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
