Calling and Purpose—Selected Examples from Scripture and Life—Part Five, Contemporary Saints C

The themes of calling and purpose are significant ones that we see throughout Scripture. In this and several following posts, we’ll look at selected examples from the Bible—both Old and New Testaments, as well as at some more contemporary called ones.

Selected list of contemporary saints—part C

Isaac Newton

•           Science.

•           Physics.

Blaise Pascal

•           Science.

•           Mathematics.

•           Theology.

Michelangelo

•           Master artist, painter, sculptor.

•           The Sistine Chapel ceiling (The Birth of Adam).

•           The Pieta.

•           The David.

John Newton:

•           Away from slave-trading.

•           To evangelical Anglican clergy.

•           Author of the Amazing Grace hymn.

Martin Luther

•           Church Reformation.

•           Advocated for the priesthood of all believers.

Amy Carmichael

•           Missionary to India.

•           Founded the mission and orphanage.

•           Served in India without furlough for 55 years.

•           Writer.

Hudson Taylor

•           First missionary to take God’s Word to inland China.

•           Sensed this call at age 5.

Florence Nightengale

•           Nursing.

•           Advocate for how hospitals should be built and run.

Thomas Aquinas

•           Minister.

•           Love for both spirituality and intellect.

•           Known as “the mind that saved the medieval church”.

Some additional thoughts:

• Your calling(s) can change over time.  Your spiritual gifts may too.

• Knowing your calling involves asking God throughout your life how He wishes to use you and your gifts.

Reflect:

 With which of the above examples do you most resonate?  Why?

 Is this perhaps a clue as to your own calling and purpose? Describe:

 Seek out a coach, mentor, trusted advisor to help you discern next steps.

 Pray.

 Important resources:

• Take this free spiritual gifts assessment or this free Spanish language spiritual gifts assessment.

• Purchase the six-week workbook in English or Spanish:

• God. Gifts. You.: Your Unique Calling and Design 

• DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition)

• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis. 

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