Called to Ministry

I was reading chapter one in the book of Jeremiah and read about his call to ministry. God spoke to Jeremiah and told him he wanted him to be one of his prophets. Jeremiah was reluctant and made an excuse as to why he couldn’t fulfill this role. “..truly I do not know how to speak for I am only a boy”. Jeremiah was telling God, thanks but no thanks. He didn’t think people would listen to him because he was too young but God told him, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you…”

In the book of Exodus, God called Moses. God told Moses that he wanted him to deliver his people out of Egypt, but Moses, like Jeremiah, told God he could not do it. Moses was being stubborn. God told Moses that his brother Aaron would speak for him and Moses obeyed. God repeatedly pursued Moses until he no longer found an excuse not to lead his people. 

Both Moses and Jeremiah had their doubts about being able to pursue God’s wishes for them. God however gave his promise that he would be with them and he would put his words in their mouth. 

In 2014 I decided that I would go back to college to finish a degree I started back in 1982. Over 40 years had gone by and I was very unsure about going back to school. What if I could not do it? What if it was too hard for me? I spent weeks and weeks praying about this decision. I finally decided that I would do it because it was what God was calling me to do. God pursued me until I gave up and enrolled and in 2016 I graduated with a degree in ministry. 

God calls us all into ministry whether it is formally or informally. God did not call me the same way he called Moses and Jeremiah but I do believe that he had a specific goal for me. How do I know this? I have always felt a deep inner passion for ministry and telling others about Jesus Christ; I have a deep love for God. It’s almost like a burning sensation deep in my soul; I must declare Jesus as my Lord and Savior. That is part of the reason I started this blog, to declare the message of our Lord to others.  

Most of us are not called to ministry in a formal way. Yes, I got my degree, but does this make me any more qualified to proclaim the word of God? Certainly not! How do you know if you’ve been called? 

Maybe you feel a compelling pull toward God like I did. I read the Bible everyday and feel compelled to do so. I have a deep passion for seeking and learning about the word of God. 

You care for your fellow man. When I am confronted with a situation where help for someone is needed, I am compelled to help them. I once helped a woman through a terrible time in her life. This gave me a sense that God was with me, fueled by the Holy Spirit. 

You may also feel a need to guide others in their faith. I have led many Bible studies and youth groups and have felt deep satisfaction in helping others grow. If you don’t feel like you could lead a group like this, think about Moses and Jeremiah; they too were very skeptical about their abilities but God knew better. 

Success in ministry is about your ability to be obedient to God rather than to money or popularity. When God calls you, answer him with a “Here I am”. You are being called to one of the most important, satisfying positions in this world. Belong to God and feel his love as you are called to him. 

Dear God, help me to grow in my faith so that I may minister the good news of Jesus Christ to others. Help me to grow in him. Amen



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