Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin

Join Angela, Pat, and Jackie as they discuss the impact of Susan Potvin's work in discerning the will of God.Discerning the Will of God with Susan Potvin

Show notes: In this episode of Some Women, Angela, Pat, and Jackie are joined by Susan Potvin to discuss the processes of Discerning the Will of God.

Susan Potvin, worship leader and inspirational speaker, has been involved in Catholic and ecumenical renewal work for more than forty years. She and her husband, Urby, who have been married for 45 years, reside in Steubenville, Ohio. They have raised 4 children and have 2 grandchildren and one on the way. Susan is the leader of Living Praise Worship Team, which travels nationally and internationally, serving such groups as Magnificat® – A Ministry to Catholic Women, where she is the Chair for Praise and Worship…. Women of Grace®, the National Charismatic Renewal and many local dioceses and women’s  ministries. With Living Praise, Susan has produced seven worship CD’s. Susan has a passion to speak and teach about praise and worship and inspire others in their relationship with the Lord. Graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a B.A. in Theology, Susan also has a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University and is a trained Spiritual Director through the School of Spiritual Direction at Franciscan University. Susan works as a school counselor at a K-12 Christian school.

Who were the women that followed Jesus and his disciples?  Why and how do we follow and serve Him today?  In this SOME WOMEN  podcast series, based on the Luke 8:1-3 reference to women who accompanied Jesus and His disciples,  Magnificat® presents a lively panel discussion, with occasional guest panelists, on issues relevant to women today.    Various topics such as growing in holiness, community, living a Holy Spirit lifestyle, Spiritual warfare, nurturing a prayer life, and more, will be considered in the light of Sacred Scripture and teachings of the Catholic Church.  Join us as we pray, learn, and experience what God can do in our lives if we let Him!

Founded in 1981, Magnificat®, A Ministry to Catholic Women, an international nonprofit with over 70 Chapters across the globe, exists to evangelize and encourage Catholic women to grow in holiness through opening more fully to the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” recorded in Luke 1:46, is the beginning of Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s joyful greeting. The entire scene of the Visitation is the inspiration for this Ministry. Through quarterly gatherings that include a Chapter Meal, praise and worship, guest speakers proclaiming their testimonies as to how God has transformed their lives, and other faith-sharing experiences organized in a relaxed social setting, women (and men) are inspired and encouraged to grow in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Magnificat® is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, an image of the Church, and model for all Christians, especially women.  Visit: https://magnificat-ministry.org

Your God Given Purpose

In this fast-paced, chaotic world, have you ever wondered how to uncover your God-given purpose? With the busyness of life pulling us in every direction, how do we find the quiet moments to truly listen to His voice and discover the path He’s calling us to walk? Today, we’re diving into this journey together, seeking His wisdom and grace to guide us toward the purpose He’s designed just for you. Let’s take these few minutes to draw closer to God and find the clarity we all need! Christian-Catholic-PodcastIn this fast-paced, chaotic world, have you ever wondered how to uncover your God-given purpose? With the busyness of life pulling us in every direction, how do we find the quiet moments to truly listen to His voice and discover the path He’s calling us to walk? Today, we’re diving into this journey together, seeking His wisdom and grace to guide us toward the purpose He’s designed just for you. Let’s take these few minutes to draw closer to God and find the clarity we all need!

Finding Your God-Given Purpose in a Chaotic World

Gosh, what a week. There is always something going on, but this week has been extremely stressful and chaotic. I won’t bore you with the goings on in my life, but I bet you can relate to this feeling or have suffered a similar week yourself. At times, I feel like a firefighter, putting out fires wherever they land. When I am in the midst of chaos, I wonder to myself, “Seriously, Lord? Is this my purpose in life?”

Yet, even while I feel lost in the whirlwind of life, I believe you can still discern your vocation or search for your true calling within what God has planned. Today, we’re diving deep into discovering your God-given purpose, finding peace and direction through faith. How do we do this? By searching the scriptures for reference, and today you will hear verses I love and share with you often, as well as ways I find peace to continue on this path of faith.

Scripture Reflection
No matter where you are, whether you are driving in a car, sitting on a back porch with a cup of hot tea, or doing your laundry as you listen, try to quiet your heart as I read this scripture to you. Let’s pray. Dear Lord, I ask a blessing on all of the listeners today. I ask that you open their minds and hearts to what you want for them. Not their best, Lord, but your best for them.  And I pray this in Jesus, Name. Amen.

Let’s begin with Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Oh, friends, these words are ones that I remember as giving me hope. As I’ve shared with you before, we all need hope, and God promises to give us hope and a future. Plans to prosper us. What does prosper mean? If your mind is racing to the next lottery ticket purchase, that isn’t necessarily what the Lord has in mind for our lives. Prosper in this sense can mean well-being and safety. It can mean a deeper faith which brings happiness, hope and peace. These are the things that bring us closer to God and His purpose for us.

Finding Your God-Given Purpose
What are the ways you can discover your God-given purpose? First, listen to God’s voice. The world’s noise—endless tasks, distractions—can drown out the Holy Spirit’s whisper. As Christians, we’re blessed with faith. We can pray and use whatever prayer brings us the peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. What works for you? How do you pray in silence and ask the Lord, “What do you want of me today?” I try to attend daily mass. On the way, I meditate on one aspect of Jesus’ life. Either on His life, His death, or His resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Whether I do this in church, by praying a Rosary or going to Eucharistic adoration, a time of peace and quiet, I try to focus only on Him. Find what works for you. How can you pray?

Here is a suggestion. Spend five minutes or more praying daily, “Lord, show me Your purpose today.”

[In my children’s book, A Few Minutes with God, available on Amazon or at MediaAngels.com, I share a story that brings home the importance of spending time with God. When you purchase the book on my website, you will receive a complimentary accompanying study guide journal.

You can also receive a free journal on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network by signing up for emails. I share journaling prompts to help you capture God’s guidance. It’s not about perfection but about opening your heart to His call.]

Second, embrace your unique gifts.

Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” God crafted you with talents—maybe teaching the faith, creating beauty, or showing compassion. In a previous podcast, I shared a story about a listener who found her purpose leading a parish Bible study after feeling unfulfilled. I’m part of the Magnificat Prayer Ministry, and four times a year, we host a prayer breakfast for women to encourage them in their faith journey. We have a book ministry where people come and, for a donation, can take home a book that is virtually free. This ministry enhances our ministry and gives women another avenue to learn more about God’s calling. Do we use these gifts, or do we think that someone else will do the job? Stepping up and volunteering is another way we say yes to the Lord. There is no job too small if you are giving God all the glory for a job well done.

When we read scripture we are exploring our faith and the teachings that have been handed down to us. But be sure to add prayer to the scriptures you read. Ask the Lord for direction, yes, but consider that what brings you joy and serves others—that’s a blessing from the Lord. He blesses us as we try to bless others! If you are not sure about where the Lord is leading you, praying or talking to your pastor can help you discern what gift you have that you can share with others.

Third, trust God in the chaos.

Why? Because we know He has not abandoned us, and we need to remember this! Ephesians 1:11 assures us, “In him we were also chosen… according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”  We want to know his will now. We want it all laid out for us, illuminated by a lamp or a large flashing sign. This way.

Unfortunately, life does not work that way. Instead of being a chosen people, we become a stubborn people. My way or no way.

Everything that happens in our lives, the good and the bad, is something that is not a surprise to the Almighty God. He knows everything. So, how do we navigate finding our purpose when faced with all these roadblocks that lead us down the wrong path? By stopping, acknowledging our sins, and confessing that we are wrong and ready to begin again.

Take small, faithful steps toward what you consider God’s calling for you.

And, how do you know it is the correct one? Seek the “peace that surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7) as a sign that this could possibly be God’s yes! Still, evaluate whether your actions bear spiritual fruit, such as joy and a feeling of closeness to God.

Additional Recommended Episodes
Deepen your journey with these A Few Minutes with God episodes on Ultimate Christian Podcast Radio Network:

Friends, how is God revealing your purpose?

Maybe a Scripture spoke to you, or a quiet moment brought clarity. True discernment gives us a peace that persists through trials. Many times we soldier on and rarely take the time to think, “Am I at peace?”

If you are on social media, share your story on our A Few Minutes with God Facebook page—your words could inspire another person, truly! Post a prayer request or praise report, and let’s grow as a family in Christ. Visit the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network for more episodes and our weekly Christian podcast newsletter.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect plan for us. Help us hear Your voice, embrace our gifts, and trust You in the midst of chaos. Guide all listeners to live Your purpose boldly. Amen.