Discernment...

[FlowerGirl18]

It's a pretty tough situation...

I am going on 18 years old, and starting college in fall. However, in the past four months or so, I've started feeling like the Lord is calling and beckoning me into full-time ministry. I've prayed about it for hours on end, and I will continue doing so, and often heard God's voice in my heart telling me that this is the path he has chosen for me. However, there is so much pressure from everyone I know. My family is still unsaved, and they think I am practically out of my mind doing this. A lot of my Christian friends also think I am a little bit weird, and tell me to look for a 'serious' job.
Deep down inside, I know this is what He who loves me wants for me, where He will truly use me.
My question is pretty simple... How do you discern whether you are really called or not? How do you understand if it comes from God? How do you know if this is not one of the devil's attempts to make you fall away from the faith, and not just a silly dream of yours?
If you have any similar experience, I would appreciate it if you could share it.
Thank you all in advance.

May God's blessings abound in your life.

 

[Solomon's Portico]

Hi Flowergirl,
I'm 47 and have been a Christian for over 25 years. I have struggled with that question for years. I wanted to be a pastor and persued that vocation with a passion. Ive done many ministries with youth ministry taking up most of my time. However I could never get an education. In the end I had to addmit that my persuit was vanity. Shepherding wasn't my strong suit however over the years I discovered evangelism was.
My health isn't the best and I'm now disabled.
To me you sound like someone withe gift of evangelism because of the other posts ive spoken to you on. Your choice in my veiw is this . Do you go to Christian college for a couple of years then start your ministry. Do you go to regular college and get a job and have a ministry o. The side. Of course there are other choices that is up to you. God blss

 

[FlowerGirl18]

Hi and thanks so much for the reply. It means a lot someone would take time to answer my question. It's been heavy on my mind lately. Sometimes it all seems in vain, because my family is very opposed to my faith as of now. I am starting regular college in fall (major in theater with a minor in speech) and only after I am done there I will (hopefully) be going into seminary. My mom said that I have to get 'normal' education first and keeping the witnessing point in mind (I don't want my mother to turn away from Christ completely just because I turn away from her), I obeyed. Not to mention the fifth commandment which tells us to obey our parents. The thing is, God really does reveal amazing things to me and I love preaching so much, mainly because I am so excited to share those revelations with others. Even if I end up not ever becoming a pastor, I am sure God will use the spiritual gifts he gave me in other ways. It's just important to remember that God's plans for our lives are always exceedingly better than our own plans. And I am sure that even though you came to realize that shepherding was not your vocation, God still used you greatly as you led youth. God bless, Lily.

 

[Solomon's Portico]

Yes, its good to obey mom and dad I will pray that you make it to semenary. I have a son starting college this fall as well. He also wants to go to semenary. I think your major and minor forthat matter will be a great help. God bless