How to know if God is calling me? — Overcoming fear
Perhaps the idea of the priesthood has crossed your mind at some point, but fear pushes it away:
- Fear of commitment
- Fear of celibacy
- Fear of not being worthy
These fears are very common, even among those already in the seminary. But literally thousands of men have had the same doubts and still became holy and dedicated priests.
The first truth you must remember is that God does not speak through fear. Fear is a weapon of the Enemy to turn you away from God’s will; it is like the bite of an animal that paralyzes its prey so it cannot move.
A man dominated by fear will have difficulty moving forward toward God’s will.
So how do you overcome fear? Here are five ideas:
1) Turn your fears into concerns.
You may have legitimate concerns about celibacy or preaching, but that is not the same as being afraid. Instead of letting fear dominate you, look at the demands of the priesthood objectively. It is true that the priest needs self-control, affective maturity, and the ability to speak in public. These and other areas require a serious personal examination.
Yes, you will discover things you need to improve, but do your discernment with a calm mind, not with a frightened heart.
“Perfect love casts out fear” (1 Jn 4:18).
Remember that when Jesus called Peter (Lk 5:1-11), the first Pope said to him:
“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinner.”
And Jesus assured him that he need not be afraid to follow Him. Likewise, Jesus knows your weaknesses and difficulties. If you trust in Him and “put out into the deep,” everything will be well.
2) Reflect on God’s love.
Fr. Brett Brannen, in his book To Save a Thousand Souls, recommends this meditation when a man feels afraid:
“God is infinite in power and loves me infinitely. No one can snatch me from his hand. God will never send me where his grace cannot sustain me. If He asks me for something difficult, like being a priest, He will give me the grace to do it. I will not fail, because He is with me. I will be happy because I do His will. Even if I do not have all the necessary qualities, God will help me develop them. In His will is my peace.”
3) Entrust your fears to the Virgin Mary.
Remember that after the angel told her “do not be afraid,” Mary promptly accepted God’s will:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to your word.”
Entrust your fears to her intercession: she will calm your heart and help you discover the will of her Son.
4) Remember what the seminary is for.
From a practical point of view, it is consoling to know that if God is calling you to the priesthood, ordination is still a long way off. The seminary is a time of intense formation to face doubts, grow in holiness, and prepare for a fruitful ministry. No man enters the seminary already ready to be a priest.
5) Seek comfort in the Word of God.
If you are afraid of the priesthood, you are not alone. The prophets and apostles also felt fear when they were called. Read the following Scripture passages to see how God encouraged them:
- I am not holy enough: Is 6:1-9; Lk 5:1-11
- I fear failure: Ex 14:10-31; Lk 15
- I have sinned: Jn 21:15-23; Mt 9:9-13; Lk 7:36-50
- I am too young: 1 Sam 3:1-18; 1 Sam 16:1-13; Jer 1:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
- I don’t have enough talent: 1 Sam 17:32-51; Lk 1:26-38
- I want to have a family: Gn 12:1-3; Mt 12:46-50; Mk 10:28-30
- I want “a good life”: Mk 10:17-31; 1 Cor 2:9; Mt 13:44-46; Jn 10:10; Mt 16:24-27
- I’m afraid to commit forever: Ruth 1:15-17; Mt 28:16-20; 1 Cor 12:5-10
- Public speaking scares me: Ex 4:10-17; Jer 1:4-10
- I’m not smart enough: 2 Cor 4:7-18; Ex 4:10-17
- I fear being alone: Ex 3:4-22; Lk 1:28-38; Mt 28:20
- I want to be happy: Ps 37:4; Mt 5:1-12; Jn 10:10; Mk 10:28-31; 1 Cor 2:9
- I am full of fear: 1 Jn 4:18 “There is no fear in love; perfect love casts out fear.”
As St. John Paul II often reminded us: Do not be afraid! Do not let fear paralyze you. Speak with a priest you trust about your concerns.
Remain faithful to daily prayer, trust in God, and your heart will be at peace, whatever your vocation may be.