There are many intriguing aspects to this simple, straightforward question. For example, I want to talk about the notion of “calling” ... and about a call from GOD. But I think the heart of the question is how do you KNOW? So let me start there. Are there any signs or signals that God is calling you to religious life, or to serve in some way?
Here’s what I’ve noticed in years of working with people discerning a call.
The call is often an idea that just won’t go away. God is persistent, offering the call in many gentle or subtle ways -- until you have time to grow into the idea!
Or maybe your call began with a wish or attraction to religious life or a particular service. And you find yourself moving from wondering to wanting. Feelings of unworthiness give way to confidence that God wants to use you.
Eventually, there comes a time when your soul already knows the answer! Yes, I have found the soul often is ahead of the self! The deeper self begins to know before the outer self “gets it.” And then there comes the day when you notice a real desire or even longing to say “yes” to God, when the call seems not perplexing or fearful but blessed and undeserved.
“No longer will your Teacher hide himself from you, but with your own ears you shall hear your Teacher, while from behind a voice shall sound in your ears: ‘This is the way. Walk in it ...’“ (Isaiah 30:20-21)
God will speak in a way that you can hear. If you are a quiet spirit, God will speak gently or softly. If you are a tough cookie, God may use (as one of my discernees used to say) a “two by four” to get through to you!! Whatever it takes ... a voice you will recognize. After all, we are MADE for God ... and made BY God. Like an infant recognizes its mother’s voice, so your soul instinctively turns towards God.
One other truth tucked in here is the necessity for prayer. God is speaking to us all the time, a constant communication with our deepest self. But without practicing prayer, we tend not to be attuned to the Voice within us. God speaks, but it’s like a foreign language to our outer self, distracted by the noise and clamoring loud voices of a restless world.
I suppose there are many other tips to answer this question of “How do I know?” Ultimately a good spiritual director would send you back to a few honest, heart-to-heart conversations with God. By the reaction in your deepest heart, we can usually come to a little clarity about God’s intention or desire for our lives.
Blessings on your journey, and keep asking the honest questions!