Hey, everyone! I'm new to this forum, but there's a question I wanted to ask you guys.
When did you know that you were called to the ministry? How did you know? Were there any fears you had? Are you happy you answered the call?
When did you know...
Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by Live4Him, Feb 20, 2010.
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exscentric Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Can't imagine anyone NOT answering the call being happy - really :smilewinkgrin:
I was driving home from seeing my father (50 miles) and the Lord just made it clear in my mind that he wanted me in the ministry. I had thought about it, but with a terrible stammering problem when around anyone new or when nervous I figured ministry was out. As I was driving it just seemed as I prayed about it the Lord just impressed upon my heart to say yes - yes with a kind of a "Ya, right" underneath due to my speech problems. Well then there was my barely making it through high school too, and well yes, the extreme shyness, ok well yes there was that hate of meeting people thing and the barely capable of giving a book report in HS without my knees crushing one another under the constant blows from one another, but God said I want you so I said sure, if you can overcome all the problems and get me through Bible school.
That was 40+ years ago and I have never once regretted saying yes, even amid the trials, poorness and hard headed Christians (Well, yes some really great ones too :) I've had to deal with.
We moved 27 times in that period and my wife/children never once complained. Kids are in their forties and all turned out fairly nicely thanks to the Lord's working in their lives.
So yes, very happy with the Lord's decision to choose me, prepare me, enable me, and use me. Not sure how much of a decision I had in the matter, just a yes with a ton of fear and trembling of spirit :laugh:
How did I know? Good question, just through prayer and devotions it just seemed the right thing to do in spite of all logic saying it was stupid. I think you will know!
And welcome to the "BORED" :) -
exscentric Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I think most would want to add that God deals with different people in different ways. I've talked to men that knew from childhood that they wanted to minister. I know another that fell on his knees behind the bar he was tending and told the Lord yes.
I've heard of men in a church service minding their own business when the speaker said something and the Spirit drove it deep within and on the spot they knew God was calling them.
I've heard men tell of saying no to God and having great trials all their lives, I've heard of others that have said no and led happy peacefull lives.
I've known men that knew they were called to a particular land/area/people and go to that area after schooling and have known a couple that never made it to the field due to poor choices along the way.
Open your mind to the possibility, pray about it, talk with your pastor and be open to the Lord's leading.
Hey, He is GOD and He certainly knows how to show you/communicate with you through His word and prayer. -
Ministry began as soon as I became a believer.
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Thank you guys for all of your responses so far! :thumbs: -
JohnDeereFan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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