Feeling Inadequate

Question:



Hi, I am a senior in high school and I have been feeling a calling to go into the ministry. I really want to be a youth pastor. However, the more I think about it the more I think I am not worthy to be called into this. I have made a mess of my life and I am 17 years old with a past. I just don't think I can do this. Could you help me figure this out? I am so lost.



Answer:



I want you to know that if the Lord is calling you to be in the ministry, that is an honor. The beautiful thing about being in Christ is that He sees us all the same. God views all people on earth as either belonging to Him or not belonging to Him. (Matthew 25:33) Outside of Christ, we are all hopeless sinners. But the moment we receive Christ we are clothed in His righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 says, " I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." When we trust Christ, we are made clean with His righteousness and not our own. Even when we sin and make big mistakes He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us when we admit our mistakes (1 John 1:9).

Take a look at the Apostle Paul. Before he was a believer he was well known as a Christian killer. But when he embraced Christ and walked in his calling he was known as the greatest apostle. Read 1 Timothy 1:11-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 to see what he had to say about this.

The calling of God has nothing to do with our own ability. It has to do with us relying on Christ knowing our own inability. When we rest on Him knowing this, we begin to see the mighty hand of God. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says that His grace is made perfect in our weakness, to the point where we can be glad at our own inabilities that He can work mightily through us.

I would encourage you to seek prayer from other believers and seek the Lord through His Word, and prayer, and that He help you to see and confirm in your heart His calling you to the ministry. He is faithful and He will show you.

Don't forget, if you have a question you can send it to me at asktheyouthpastor@xtrlive.com plus you can talk to us tonight at www.studenthopeline.com.