Have you ever considered that question? I know that during my college years, it dominated my thinking. However, I was at Bible college and was simply trying to make sure that I was going to invest my life in the right things. During our college and teenage years, it is easier to make big decisions. Those choices point us in a specific direction and shape what follows. The truth is, the question isn’t just for those in college or high school. God calls men and women of all ages to give their lives over to Him in service.
While reading through the Every Day Gospel by Paul David Tripp and the included Bible reading plan, I read Exodus 3 and 4. It reminded me that God calls people of all ages to serve Him. Moses wasn’t a spring chicken anymore. He had developed a life since running away from Egypt. He gave all his excuses, but God wouldn’t have any of that. All that Moses did was make God mad. In verse 14, the Bible says, “Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…”
We have all sorts of excuses when it comes to serving God. “My life is here.” “I can’t do that.” “I’m too old.” “I don’t have enough training to be of any use to God.” And the list goes on. I believe that when we hear God calling, and we choose to ignore it, we are simply making God mad. Will He smite us? Probably not. However, we don’t want to live in willful disobedience of God. So how do we investigate what God might be doing in our lives? It is much like what we would tell students. We just have to turn our attention inward. Here are some questions to help:
• What is God’s Word saying to me? Someone who simply likes the idea of being a pastor or missionary may not have even seen what God’s Word is saying. It is easy to romanticize the idea of serving God. When I was considering my call, I was digging through Scripture. I didn’t want to take a step forward without a clear indication from God’s Word. Look into the book of Acts and the Pastoral Epistles. See how your life stacks up there.
• Am I praying about it? Praying about something and thinking about something are two different things. Prayer means humbling ourselves before God, knowing that He alone can provide the answers we need. Talk to God about the question. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you. Too often, we forget to give over our questions and concerns.
• What do others say about me? Talk with your pastor. He isn’t the Holy Spirit, but he can share what he sees in your life. I believe that a ministry calling is confirmed inwardly and outwardly. If no one else can imagine you serving as a pastor or missionary, then there may be some work that you need to do in your life before taking any further steps.
• What do I desire? 1 Timothy 3:1 says, “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” Do you want to serve in ministry in a larger way? If the answer is no, then God probably isn’t calling. You may just feel the burden of responsibility. However, if your heart is bent toward serving God with more of yourself, then it is time to take a deeper look. God plants the desires of our hearts in us.
It is important to note that surrendering your life to vocational ministry isn’t easy. When we are young, it may mean setting aside a future we dream of. When we are older, it may mean a total life change. Your family may not understand. Your employer may think you are crazy. Your friends may want to shake you really hard so that you will snap out of it. Whatever it may mean for you, understand that God is still calling. Are we going to listen?
We would love to hear how God called you into His service. Join the conversation at facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity.
