How Discernment Can Change Our Lives

A Reflection on Shifting Culture Ep. 259 Trevor Hudson - Discerning God's Will In Our Lives

We live in a world of endless distractions, where we’re told to hustle, strategize, and always plan ahead. Purpose is often reduced to a checklist, and decisions are made quickly so we can move on to the next thing. But deep down, we yearn for something more - a way to live that’s rooted in meaning, connection, and trust. That’s where discernment comes in.

Discernment isn’t just about making choices or figuring out what’s next. It’s a way of listening to God’s voice in our lives, responding to His movements, and learning to walk faithfully with Him every day. It’s a quiet revolution - one that invites us to surrender control, lean into community, and live intentionally in each moment.

I just went through a deep discernment process myself and it was just like Trevor Hudson talked about when I interviewed him for Shifting Culture (you can listen to the interview here). It was both individual and communal discernment. Books, prayer, paying attention to where the Spirit was at work, a Spiritual Director, and friends and family all played a big part in discerning what was next for me. I hope this episode and this reflection can help you in your own discernment.

Living Between the Individual and the Communal

One of the first challenges of discernment is recognizing we’re not in this alone. Our culture prizes independence and individual achievement, and it’s easy to approach faith as something personal and private. But that’s not how it works. When we open our hearts to God, we’re drawn into His family. Faith isn’t a solo pursuit; it’s a shared journey.

That doesn’t mean we lose our individuality. God has a unique calling for each of us, a purpose that’s personal and unrepeatable. The tension we face is holding on to that personal calling while staying rooted in community. It’s not either/or - it’s both/and. Discernment means listening for God’s voice in our own lives and recognizing how our story fits into the larger story of His people.