It is a common misconception that God only calls ministers and priests to the ministry. In truth, everyone has been called by God to do some form of ministry in their lives.
For example, we all have the responsibility of being good stewards of His creation. We also have a duty as Christians to share our faith with others around us. These are just two examples but there are countless ways that you can carry out your own call from God every day.
The calling of minister differs from person to person because it is unique for each individual’s gifts and talents. It takes courage and commitment on behalf of those who answer this call . The point at which someone answers the call is when he or she decides to deepen the relationship with God in a more dedicated way.
The Call of Abram
Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
The Call of Paul
Acts 9:4-6 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
There are three major elements to answering the call of ministry. Change, Challenge, Commitment.
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Change
Everyone that God called in the Bible had to make some sort of adjustment in their lives. Whether they were leaving family behind or selling all of their possessions, there was always a change that had to take place before one could answer the call of ministry.
The call for personal change affects every level of an individual’s life. It can come as a result of trials and tribulations such as those that faced Paul or Abram, or it can come as a direct result of a personal conviction from God to serve Him.
God may lead you to change your location which means that you could be called to move from your home town. It could mean that your family unit might need to shift in order for one member to go into ministry. The changes that happen often come in waves and can be both challenging and exciting.
Challenge
Once you have decided to change your current situation, then you will need to embrace the challenge that comes with answering the call of ministry. For some people the greatest challenge is getting out of their comfort zone. To answer God’s call to ministry may require us to take on new roles that are both foreign and difficult.
When Paul was called to go on his missionary journeys he faced conflict with the Jews who had not accepted Jesus as Messiah, opposition from Satan and incredible physical challenges.
For you it could be challenging your closest family members about your new convictions or learning how to understand the messages of God’s Word for yourself.
God usually will not allow us to go through life without facing challenges because they are designed to make us stronger and more capable of doing the work that He has called us to do. You may start this process by going through a time of educational training. This could be a longterm project or it could simply mean taking a class at your local church.
Challenge is often what separates those who are simply flirting with the idea of ministry from those who are willing to go all-in. The difference comes down to commitment and it is usually found in having a better understanding of what God will ask you to do before you answer His call for your life.
When God calls He has already put everything into consideration even your worst fears.
Commitment
Luke 9:62 (AMP) But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things left behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.”
This goes without saying, nothing comes easily. You must commit yourself to stick at it until it works out. Looking at the text above , Jesus says that one must be willing to put the work in.
There must be no looking back. Many people leave their calling to ministry because they fail to commit themselves fully after experiencing challenges.
When you feel yourself wavering in your commitment, the temptation is real. You will start thinking of excuses like “I can’t do this” or “It wasn’t meant to be” .
When you find yourself in this position, take the time to read the Bible and remind yourself of what God has said about your future. You can also talk to someone who will help silence those doubts.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help either because many people face each obstacle at different times throughout their lives. It is important that you have someone to talk to.
In the end, if you want to answer God’s call for your life it will require a personal change as well as commitment. God never calls people lightly but instead He wants those who are willing and capable of standing up for Him in this world.
You can be that person by changing what needs changing and committing fully to the task at hand.
Be that person.
1 Timothy 4:12(KJV) Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Goodluck as you pursue the call of God over your life.
