The Bible says: ‘In the church at Antioch…they were all worshipping the Lord and fasting for a certain time. During this time the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for which I have chosen them.” So after they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them out’ (Acts 13:1-3 NCV). Notice three things: 1) Barnabas and Saul were worshipping when God called them. And the Holy Spirit still speaks to us when we gather to pray, worship, and hear God’s Word. One reason we don’t have clear direction for our lives is because we aren’t in a place where God can speak to us objectively through His Word, and subjectively through His Spirit. 2) Their calling was confirmed by God-focused leaders. Those who laid hands on Paul and Barnabas and confirmed their calling were leaders who took time to pray, fast, and seek God’s will. People like that are a gift. They won’t necessarily tell us what we want to hear, but they’ll tell us what we need to hear. They’ll counsel, correct, and comfort us when we need it, and confirm God’s will for us. 3) God doesn’t make us go searching for His will for our lives. God called Paul and Barnabas by name when the time was right for Him to reveal their calling. He knows our names, where we live, and the circumstances we’re in. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress (to hide it from the Midianites) and Peter was out fishing when God called them. Our lack of experience doesn’t limit God. That’s because He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. So wait for God, and when the time is right, He will call you.

What Now?

Are you uncertain of your calling or whether you’ve heard from God about it? Chat to your pastor or youth leader about it, and get their wisdom on it.