Need Advice! Following God's Will

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civilwar

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Hi I’m not sure if this is the right sub-forum to post this in, but it’ll do.

So I’m looking for some advice with an important issue in my life. God has been calling me to the Priesthood for a long time, which is fine and I am humbled and grateful for His call.
However, there is one problem I’m facing. I’ve always had a talent for MMA (mixed martial arts, think UFC) ever since I was a teenager (I’m now in my mid-20’s). It’s difficult to put into words, but it’s something I just have in me, that desire and ability to fight. It’s almost like an irresistible urge, and at times I have wondered why God would give me such a talent and passion for something, and to not want me to pursue it.
How do I reconcile this? It’s like being pulled in two directions; towards the Priesthood by God, and in another direction by my own natural inclinations.

Sorry if that was poorly worded, I’m a little distracted and it’s not an easy question to put into words, but any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

P.S - I do have a spiritual director who I meet with reguarly.
 
civilwar said:
Hi I’m not sure if this is the right sub-forum to post this in, but it’ll do.

So I’m looking for some advice with an important issue in my life. God has been calling me to the Priesthood for a long time, which is fine and I am humbled and grateful for His call.
However, there is one problem I’m facing. I’ve always had a talent for MMA (mixed martial arts, think UFC) ever since I was a teenager (I’m now in my mid-20’s). It’s difficult to put into words, but it’s something I just have in me, that desire and ability to fight. It’s almost like an irresistible urge, and at times I have wondered why God would give me such a talent and passion for something, and to not want me to pursue it.
How do I reconcile this? It’s like being pulled in two directions; towards the Priesthood by God, and in another direction by my own natural inclinations.

Sorry if that was poorly worded, I’m a little distracted and it’s not an easy question to put into words, but any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

P.S - I do have a spiritual director who I meet with reguarly.
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First discern priesthood, keep going to a spiritual director. Join a seminary if you feel called.
Then if God reveals to you that it’s not your calling, then discern other things 🙂

“Seek yee first the Kingdom of Heaven,”

The Apostles were fishermen, a talent God gave them, but wanted them to use to fish for Souls instead.

You can use your gifts to save Souls if it is your calling to be a priest.

Put God first and wait until God reveals whether He is calling you to priesthood, the yes or no to that question will answer your own wondering about it 🙂
 
civilwar said:
Hi I’m not sure if this is the right sub-forum to post this in, but it’ll do.

So I’m looking for some advice with an important issue in my life. God has been calling me to the Priesthood for a long time, which is fine and I am humbled and grateful for His call.
However, there is one problem I’m facing. I’ve always had a talent for MMA (mixed martial arts, think UFC) ever since I was a teenager (I’m now in my mid-20’s). It’s difficult to put into words, but it’s something I just have in me, that desire and ability to fight. It’s almost like an irresistible urge, and at times I have wondered why God would give me such a talent and passion for something, and to not want me to pursue it.
How do I reconcile this? It’s like being pulled in two directions; towards the Priesthood by God, and in another direction by my own natural inclinations.

Sorry if that was poorly worded, I’m a little distracted and it’s not an easy question to put into words, but any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

P.S - I do have a spiritual director who I meet with reguarly.
Click to expand...
The two interests are not necessarily exclusive, especially at this level of discernment. Many vocation directors encouraged aspirants to attend college first, or during the discernment process.

You might enjoy reading the story of John Bosco, who used his talents juggling and clowning to sae souls.
 
guanophore said:
The two interests are not necessarily exclusive, especially at this level of discernment. Many vocation directors encouraged aspirants to attend college first, or during the discernment process.

You might enjoy reading the story of John Bosco, who used his talents juggling and clowning to sae souls.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your advice
 
civilwar said:
Thanks for the link. Seems like a very interesting read, but it doesn’t fully answer the issue I’m having. Thanks again for your help though, and I’ll definitely read some more of that book! 🙂
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👍

Hopefully it will indirectly answer your question. If you possess the signs of a vocation, every other interest or desire must be seen in this light.

Pax!
 
civilwar said:
Thanks for the link. Seems like a very interesting read, but it doesn’t fully answer the issue I’m having. Thanks again for your help though, and I’ll definitely read some more of that book! 🙂
Click to expand...
God uses the passions of our hearts to lead us into His will, when they are in subjection to Him. Just consecrate all you do to Him, and for Him, and it will become clear in time. If your MMA turns out to be an Isaac that you must place on the altar then He will more than compensate you.

…28And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. 30"But many who are first will be last; and the last, first. Matt. 19:29.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your heart.
 
God may have led you into getting experience in the MMA, in order to serve him as a priest in ways to help young people who are prone to violence.

You won’t know unless you go through the discernment process in the priesthood, which along with formation, is much better than its ever been, especially since the sex abuse scandals.

Remember, the call from God, is an invitation, not an order.

God allows you to follow your own heart and not become a priest.

However, if your desire is to follow God’s will, then you have to go through the discernment process.

If its not God’s will for you to be a priest, the doors will close very quickly.

Jim
 
guanophore said:
God uses the passions of our hearts to lead us into His will, when they are in subjection to Him. Just consecrate all you do to Him, and for Him, and it will become clear in time. If your MMA turns out to be an Isaac that you must place on the altar then He will more than compensate you.

…28And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. 30"But many who are first will be last; and the last, first. Matt. 19:29.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your heart.
Click to expand...
Thank you, those words are very helpful.
 
JimR-OCDS said:
God may have led you into getting experience in the MMA, in order to serve him as a priest in ways to help young people who are prone to violence.

You won’t know unless you go through the discernment process in the priesthood, which along with formation, is much better than its ever been, especially since the sex abuse scandals.

Remember, the call from God, is an invitation, not an order.

God allows you to follow your own heart and not become a priest.

However, if your desire is to follow God’s will, then you have to go through the discernment process.

If its not God’s will for you to be a priest, the doors will close very quickly.

Jim
Click to expand...
The words in bold have a ring of truth to them! Thanks for all your advice,
 
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