I'm tired of working and earning money for myself. I'm tired of this materialistic society. I've been thinking that it's about time that I commit my whole life to the Lord by serving Him full time through missionary work. I've checked out some Bible schools and saw one college that really caught my interest. It is what I want to do. Now. But I don't want to take action unless I've received God's signal to do it.
So what do you think, guys?
2006-08-12 05:24:54 · 35 answers · asked by daniel29 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
God has already been signaling you by creating unrest with your life as it is and stirring up interest in missions and a Bible college. Step forward and pursue missions and see where the road leads you next.
Do you remember the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan river with the Ark of the Covenant? (Joshua 3) God told the priests carrying the ark to step into the Jordan (which was at flood level). He promised that the water would stop flowing, but only after they stepped in the water.
You need to act on the prodding that God is already doing in your life and take a step into the Jordan--pursue missions at a Bible college. Once you begin to act, God will begin to open up more possibilities and make things more clear for you.
God Bless.
2006-08-12 05:33:41 · answer #1 · answered by happygirl 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It's all based on u and God. In terms of a relationship where do both of u stand? R u in a place where God can tlk to u n tell u His wishes 4 ur life? Or r uthinking about and tlking about about things u shud do without really consulting God. Phillipians 4:4-7 charges us not to be anxious but to pray and petition God's throne with thanksgiving. I suggest u do just that! Start by reading Phillipians 4:4-7 and follow the instructions, u'll get ur ans in no time. Also remember God has 3 commands:yes, no ,wait. Don't let ur personal commands get in the way or get them mixed up. Good Luck!
I think it great that u want to become a missionary, keep it up. The world needs more ppl like u;willing to forsake all and serve.
2006-08-12 06:00:59 · answer #2 · answered by Francine S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When God called me into the youth ministry, I was given specific things to study, I went to several classes and the doors that I prayed about were opened. Its funny now that I am doing this ministry work I feel very fufilled and completed. I have a hunger for God's word that I never had before. It is very interesting to me. I would have to say that you are already hearing from God, but remember that in "all things be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplications let your requests be made known to God, and the peace that passes all understanding will guard you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phillipians 4:6:-7) If you have prayed about it then you will have peace about it you wont be going back and forth. there will be no need to. Did you pray? Then you should be at peace about your decision. You shouldn't still be wrestling with it. You should be able to move forward with the ease in knowing that God Himself is directing your path.
2006-08-12 05:39:10 · answer #3 · answered by Monique B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bible college and missionary are not necessarily related callings.
Bible college is a good way to learn more about the Bible.
I believe everyone is called to be a missionary of sorts - not necessarily foreign. Have you been witnessing to people and trying to win souls where you are now? If not, then you probably wouldn't make a very good missionary.
Have you talked to your pastor about this?
2006-08-12 05:35:12 · answer #4 · answered by petezsmg 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'll tell you a brief version of my own calling. (Please note my screen name is the mascot of Wake Forest University where I attend Divinity School, so don't ignore my answer because of that.) In 2001, the business that I ran with my father started to fail. I started looking around for something else to do, and I began to feel that maybe God was calling me into ministry. My own response was to doubt the calling because it meant that my wife and I would have to sell our house, move somewhere for 3 years for me to get my Masters of Divinity and I also thought that maybe I was just using this for an escape from the problems I was experiencing in my work and that I was too old to start preparing for a new career. So, I prayed for God to let me know what he wanted me to do. Shortly thereafter, a pastor I have known for more than 20 years preached a sermon with the message that it is never too late to do what God wants you to do in your life. But I was still stubborn, and I asked God to let me know for sure, and within a month, I experienced further financial collapse. So, I said, "Ok, God, I'll do it." Things started to turn around, and I will start my second year of Divinity School in a few weeks.
So, the moral of my story is this. Pray and ask God to let you know what his will for your life is, and I firmly believe he will let you know. It is my own belief, that those who are called into ministry know it without a doubt. You are exactly right, you need to know for certain that this is what God is calling you to do. If you are not certain, start looking for other options and you will find your way.
Do you already have your bachelor's degree? I ask this only because many missionary organizations require a master's degree.
Feel free to send me a private message (you can do that on my profile screen) if you would like to talk about it more.
2006-08-12 06:03:30 · answer #5 · answered by MacDeac 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Pray about it. Funny thing, I just asked the question about that nature. Did Abraham know where he was going when he left his homeland to follow God? Follow your heart. God is not calling qualified, he will qualify the called ones. It is important for you to get education on that field.
I know what you mean by getting tired of this rat race. People want you to run and run...and then when you cannot anymore, they replace you with one who can run.
If that is what you want to do, to serve Lord like that...go for it. He will equip you with knowledge. Remember, you do not need to understand everything in His business to be able to be a good servant. Run His errands, and He will give you more work to do. God bless you.
2006-08-12 05:32:55 · answer #6 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In your 1st sentence you say "I'm tired of working and earning money for myself" .
You are now looking for an escape to avoid working.
Missionary life is more work than you will ever know. And to say that you are called by God, there must be true conviction. To think about it or ponder on it proves that it is 'your' desire not God's.
If God calls you, it is an urgent "NEED" that you will not be able to deny. Period......
This doesn't mean that you do not love God. But to do something that is not called of God, will be difficult and it will be done out of self gratification verse for the glory of the Divine.
I think you should talk to a person who has been a missionary for LONG time. It is a life of poverty & devotion.
2006-08-12 05:32:58 · answer #7 · answered by prophetessqueen 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
1. You feel the desire to do it.
2. Pray for guidance.
3. If it is meant to be, God will provide the opportunity; are these opportunities materializing for you?
4. Do you have any obligations that preclude your going into full-time missionary work?
2006-08-12 05:31:40 · answer #8 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think if the question is in your head then that's a clue to what direction you should go. Not everyone even thinks about something like that, even though we are sick of the materialistic greedy cruel world around us. The word of God is in your heart and mind, so if you feel something and think something, I'd say it's a signal.
2006-08-12 05:31:31 · answer #9 · answered by arvecar 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think your first sentence sums it up: you are tired of working and earning money. Seems to me that what you are looking for is an easy way out of work. Read "Elmer Gantry" by Sinclair Lewis and then ask yourself why do you want to go out and make a living by selling people religion.
If you wish to truly be of service to humanity, try volunteering for something like Habitat for Humanity or the Peace Corps. There, let you quiet devotion to your God serve as a beacon.
Going to other lands and having nothing to offer but scripture seems presumptious and mean spirited. If you can help build houses, dig wells, install purification units, then you have done the Lord's work.
2006-08-12 05:32:53 · answer #10 · answered by NeoArt 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋