This year at City Church, we are emphasizing discernment as a practice for living into our vision of “attunement to the activity of the Holy Spirit.” Over the next few months, you will read stories from  leaders in our community about how they have heard or experienced God’s voice as a way to expand your own imagination for how God might be speaking to you.

In the spring of 2009, I stood at the threshold of many life transitions: I was engaged to be married, graduating from seminary, and had just been approved by my Presbytery to pursue ordained ministry. I traveled to New York City’s Upper East Side to interview for a position that was right up my alley: A residency that involved teaching in Zambia and New York. As the conversation flowed, there was a lot of enthusiasm in the room. I left the interview convinced that they were going to offer me the position. And yet, my stomach was churning. On the flight home, I pictured myself saying yes, and I was filled with dread. It made no sense. On paper, it was the obvious next step – in line with my interests and values, and an excellent professional opportunity that would put me on the radar of high profile churches in the denomination.

By the time I landed, I knew what I had to do. I picked up the phone, called the head of the committee, and formally withdrew my name from consideration. They were shocked (and so was I). They were ready to offer me the position and wondered if they had done something to offend me. I assured them that there was nothing they had done wrong; it was simply a strong sense that the Spirit was calling me in a different direction. After the call, I sat down, confused at myself. I had no other plans, no path that was clearly in front of me. What I did have was a sense of peace. Through that experience, I learned that when God is guiding me, it is accompanied by a peace that surpasses all understanding. As you face your own decisions, I invite you to listen for God: Where do you feel dread? Where do you feel peace?