willing, but am i called?

[BlackRain]

i don't know if this fits here...but i'll go for it anyway.

"you can be willing but not called by God." dang it. my friend told me that last weekend. it hasn't left my mind since. wow. i'm confused. i have this passion for those who don't know Christ. i love people and i love to travel and experience new things/cultures. i love the Lord and i love telling people of any age about Christ. so WHY do i feel like there's war inside of me when i think about missions. i'm not talking about career missions, but many short terms mission trips (1 month to a year) and i'd really love to work in a mission organization. that's honestly what i want to do. there's complete unsettleness inside of me. i feel like the Lord could use me, but then again i feel like maybe what my friend told me is true. i'm so confused. i don't know which way to fall because if i don't go into missions i'll still feel this way because i have this urgency in me to do so, but if i go into missions i'll feel like the Lord can't use me because maybe i'm not called. what's being called about anyway? the Lord has called all of us to carry his name thru the nations....or your work place/school. i have to tell people about Christ because if i sit here...i'll do nothing of benefit to God's kingdom and to people's lives. the Lord's spirit in me will basically be wasted. that's how i feel, at least. i'm more confused than ever. i'm totally drawn towards asia. with all my heart i'd love to see all of those billion's of people come to their knees before the Lord. another thing, WHY do i cry when i hear about people who don't know Christ? i don't cry, but when it comes to heaven or hell i'm torn apart about it because there are many people i know who have died without my Savior. it kills me inside. why would the Lord put that desire in me if i shouldn't use it? dang this. i'm stuck. i need to talk to someone...but the question is, who? everyone thinks i have my mind already made up about missions. well, i don't. at all. in any way. i hate feeling like this. it breaks my heart to know that maybe God doesn't want me in missions. WHAT? why...i loooove it. why do i feel like this?!

 

[Lilli]

Hi BlackRain,

I would suggest you sit down and talk with your pastor. He'll be able to direct you in the direction where you may find your answers. If there is a short mission trip coming up and you have the desire to go - try it - see if it works out for you to go. If not, then maybe God is saying "Not yet". And of course, pray about it.

Don't forget the mission field is as close as your front door. Maybe get involved in local missions and see how that goes.

I wish I could be more help! Let me know how it goes.

Lilli

 

[Tavita]

i don't know which way to fall because if i don't go into missions i'll still feel this way because i have this urgency in me to do so, but if i go into missions i'll feel like the Lord can't use me because maybe i'm not called.

Sounds like you're being called to me. As Lilli said, go talk to your Pastor. Doing small mission trips would be a wise way to know if this is your calling anyway.

 

[vinc]

i don't know if this fits here...but i'll go for it anyway.
It could very well fit here.

"you can be willing but not called by God." dang it. my friend told me that last weekend. it hasn't left my mind since.
I think your friend told you the Truth so that it will help you to make a better decision in life and in the sight of God also. Yes, He wants us to be willing but we need to wait for His clear Call.

wow. i'm confused.
God is not the Author of confusion. Whenever we are confused, we need to wait, ponder (maybe even consult) before we make the decision.

i have this passion for those who don't know Christ.
Good. Every christian has that passion. But the wise ones wait and do only what God tells them to do instead of following their own passion. Such a passion could be soulish also and not spiritual.

i love people and i love to travel and experience new things/cultures.
Good. Most humans love do to the same provided they can afford the time, energy and ofcourse money.

i love the Lord and i love telling people of any age about Christ.
Good. Every christian has that too.

so WHY do i feel like there's war inside of me when i think about missions. i'm not talking about career missions, but many short terms mission trips (1 month to a year) and i'd really love to work in a mission organization. that's honestly what i want to do. there's complete unsettleness inside of me. i feel like the Lord could use me, but then again i feel like maybe what my friend told me is true. i'm so confused. i don't know which way to fall because if i don't go into missions i'll still feel this way because i have this urgency in me to do so, but if i go into missions i'll feel like the Lord can't use me because maybe i'm not called.
There is war in you about 2 things - whether to go or not to go. Because you have are unsure of whether you are called or not by the Lord. On one side your friend's words remind you of a Spiritual Truth and on the other side your passion is driving you.

what's being called about anyway? the Lord has called all of us to carry his name thru the nations....or your work place/school.
Thatz your passion giving you such thoughts. It is true that we have a general call to preach the Gospel whenever and wherever possible by us. But, we need to be wise and discerning in this matter.

i have to tell people about Christ because if i sit here...i'll do nothing of benefit to God's kingdom and to people's lives.
Do not imagine that if you do not preach the Gospel, you will do nothing of benefit to God's kingdom. We are called to be "Witnesses" and "Disciples" to Christ and that is our first and sure calling. Preaching the Gospel through Missions or going to full-time ministry is not for every Christian. One has to be sure of God's calling before venturing into this. Wherever we are and whatever we are doing in our life, it should be and it is for the glory of our Lord God and then we would not be wasting our life. Anything we do to another human in true love it is like we are doing for the Lord. While in Education/Study we can be Disciples of Christ. While in Jobs, we can be Disciples for Christ. While at home and amongst our friends and relatives we can be Disciples of Christ. And all this is not a waste. In fact, such things of life are equally (if not more) important than Missions/Ministry.

the Lord's spirit in me will basically be wasted. that's how i feel, at least.
The Lord's spirit in you will not be wasted just because you are not preaching the Gospel or just because you are not in the full-time ministry. This is a deceptive thinking many of us christians have. This is only your feeling and we are not to depend on our feelings but on Truths based on the Word of God.

i'm more confused than ever.
I'm sure now that you've got to wait before you plunge into any long-term commitment in the area of missions/ministry which could effect your life.

i'm totally drawn towards asia.
Good. And if the Lord has placed His burden in you for Asia then i'm sure you would be praying in your home secretly before the Lord first.

with all my heart i'd love to see all of those billion's of people come to their knees before the Lord.
Good. All Christians have such a longing in their hearts too but still live to do what God specifically wants them to do or would want them to do.

another thing, WHY do i cry when i hear about people who don't know Christ? i don't cry, but when it comes to heaven or hell i'm torn apart about it because there are many people i know who have died without my Savior.
Burden for lost souls make us cry. But, let us remember that God's work can carry on even without us and sometimes it may carry on better without our hasty intervention. Also, the Bible says the Gospel is preached to the dead as a chance to save them even at that stage.

it kills me inside. why would the Lord put that desire in me if i shouldn't use it?
This desire is there in every christian and such a desire should motivate you into become a strong "Witness" and "Disciple" and to be as an "Overcomer" first. Some people come to Christ because of the "life" they see in us and because of the life we live. If Evangelistic Preachers are finding success, it could be because there are people who are living as True Witnesses for Christ and seeing them people have attended the meetings, recieved and believed the message. The Bible says that the Doer of the Word is more justified than the Preacher of the Word. After we are born-again God trains us in the school of life and strengthens us spiritually through His Word, empowers us thru His Holy Spirit and gives us some spiritual experience before calling us for Full-time ministry or Long-term Missions. In fact God would be already using us unknowing to us before He calls us for Full-time ministry or Long-term Missions.

dang this. i'm stuck.
Normal for anyone.

i need to talk to someone...but the question is, who?
Good that you decided to consult or share whatz going on in your mind honestly. Because there are sincere brothers and sisters in Christ who can give wise counsels so that you may not commit any gross mistake.

everyone thinks i have my mind already made up about missions. well, i don't. at all. in any way. i hate feeling like this. it breaks my heart to know that maybe God doesn't want me in missions. WHAT? why...i loooove it. why do i feel like this?!
Well, it really shows that your passion is driving you to make up your mind about Missions. It should not break your heart if God doesn't want you in missions because as Disciples of Christ we are to do what God wants us to do. Thatz it. And not be driven by our soulish passions. A christian who has totally surrendered his will to God will be happy to do what God wants Him to do and s(he) will ponder/consult before taking a decision solely based on his/her desire (and where God's revelation is not yet given).

Every Christian wants to do Evangelism, Preaching or go for Mission Fields or Full-time Ministry because that is the most Heroic and Glamorous thing to do as Christians in the sight of religious christendom.

Sorry if it hurts, but, i think you need to wait and seek God's will. Ponder and Consult your sincere christian friends who tell you the truth bluntly for your own good.

Since, God is concerned about you, He is reminding you the words of your christian friend in order to help you make the right decision. and He made you to post this for helping you to get more inputs from christians in the christian forum.

Short-term missions (say for 6-months or 1 year) could be alright to see how strong is your desire to serve in the Lord's ministry and as Lilli has rightfully suggested try some Local Missions first and see how that goes (unless you are a Prophet who is not honoured in your own country). Such an experience will boost your confidence and quench your passion and also help you to assess things. I also suggest you to take the help of an Elderly Christian who is spiritually experienced (and who does not go by soulish zeal or enthusiasm) and who may help you in taking the right decision and also be alongwith you or your group when going to the Missions/Ministry.

Good that you have posted this question as it is going to benefit readers who might be having similar questions.

I am an ordinary christian and i don't have much experience/wisdom.

This is my honest and sincere opinion so far as i have learnt. Lord be with you, guide you and bless you.

 

[handmaiden97]

Black Rain,

here is my $.02 are you called to missions? Yes of course you are!!!! The great comission was not written to just the disciples but to every one of us. We are all called to make disciples of every nation. Unfortunatly most christians arent willing to go. So yes you are called to missions, we all are!!!! some may go, those who arent willing ought to atleast pray, send, train etc. "If you wont fight atleast carry bulets!" Your desire to go, sounds alot like you are called to go, most people dont even have that, and I personally think every christian should take a short term trip overseas, it will change your life!!!!!

it is true though that we can be willing but not necisarily called to certain task though....Im willling to teach sunday school, I'm good with kids and even enjoy it for a short time.....but im not called by God to take over the sunday school program at church.....

I filled in for a friend of mine for 1 year in our ministry I was more than willing to do the job he had been doing, but was tired worn out and stressed, why cause I wasnt called to lead that particular type of ministry

not all good ideas are God ideas. sometimes it is perfectly ok to do somthing simply cause there is a need, but sometimes we overcommit ourselves...we all need to learn to say no sometimes and most importantly listen for the leading of the Lord.....I know for me when I love someone I will fight like a bear to protect them....when I see someone I love hurting I want to come to their rescue, but sometimes I need to seek God and allow Him to finnish the work he is doing with out my interuption.....does any of that makes sense

 

[If Not For Grace]

Go for it and good luck. No one who wants to win souls should be told to wait. God will guide you.

 

[angelwind]

i don't know if this fits here...but i'll go for it anyway.
It could very well fit here.

"you can be willing but not called by God." dang it. my friend told me that last weekend. it hasn't left my mind since.
I think your friend told you the Truth so that it will help you to make a better decision in life and in the sight of God also. Yes, He wants us to be willing but we need to wait for His clear Call.

wow. i'm confused.
God is not the Author of confusion. Whenever we are confused, we need to wait, ponder (maybe even consult) before we make the decision.

i have this passion for those who don't know Christ.
Good. Every christian has that passion. But the wise ones wait and do only what God tells them to do instead of following their own passion. Such a passion could be soulish also and not spiritual.

i love people and i love to travel and experience new things/cultures.
Good. Most humans love do to the same provided they can afford the time, energy and ofcourse money.

i love the Lord and i love telling people of any age about Christ.
Good. Every christian has that too.

so WHY do i feel like there's war inside of me when i think about missions. i'm not talking about career missions, but many short terms mission trips (1 month to a year) and i'd really love to work in a mission organization. that's honestly what i want to do. there's complete unsettleness inside of me. i feel like the Lord could use me, but then again i feel like maybe what my friend told me is true. i'm so confused. i don't know which way to fall because if i don't go into missions i'll still feel this way because i have this urgency in me to do so, but if i go into missions i'll feel like the Lord can't use me because maybe i'm not called.
There is war in you about 2 things - whether to go or not to go. Because you have are unsure of whether you are called or not by the Lord. On one side your friend's words remind you of a Spiritual Truth and on the other side your passion is driving you.

what's being called about anyway? the Lord has called all of us to carry his name thru the nations....or your work place/school.
Thatz your passion giving you such thoughts. It is true that we have a general call to preach the Gospel whenever and wherever possible by us. But, we need to be wise and discerning in this matter.

i have to tell people about Christ because if i sit here...i'll do nothing of benefit to God's kingdom and to people's lives.
Do not imagine that if you do not preach the Gospel, you will do nothing of benefit to God's kingdom. We are called to be "Witnesses" and "Disciples" to Christ and that is our first and sure calling. Preaching the Gospel through Missions or going to full-time ministry is not for every Christian. One has to be sure of God's calling before venturing into this. Wherever we are and whatever we are doing in our life, it should be and it is for the glory of our Lord God and then we would not be wasting our life. Anything we do to another human in true love it is like we are doing for the Lord. While in Education/Study we can be Disciples of Christ. While in Jobs, we can be Disciples for Christ. While at home and amongst our friends and relatives we can be Disciples of Christ. And all this is not a waste. In fact, such things of life are equally (if not more) important than Missions/Ministry.

the Lord's spirit in me will basically be wasted. that's how i feel, at least.
The Lord's spirit in you will not be wasted just because you are not preaching the Gospel or just because you are not in the full-time ministry. This is a deceptive thinking many of us christians have. This is only your feeling and we are not to depend on our feelings but on Truths based on the Word of God.

i'm more confused than ever.
I'm sure now that you've got to wait before you plunge into any long-term commitment in the area of missions/ministry which could effect your life.

i'm totally drawn towards asia.
Good. And if the Lord has placed His burden in you for Asia then i'm sure you would be praying in your home secretly before the Lord first.

with all my heart i'd love to see all of those billion's of people come to their knees before the Lord.
Good. All Christians have such a longing in their hearts too but still live to do what God specifically wants them to do or would want them to do.

another thing, WHY do i cry when i hear about people who don't know Christ? i don't cry, but when it comes to heaven or hell i'm torn apart about it because there are many people i know who have died without my Savior.
Burden for lost souls make us cry. But, let us remember that God's work can carry on even without us and sometimes it may carry on better without our hasty intervention. Also, the Bible says the Gospel is preached to the dead as a chance to save them even at that stage.

it kills me inside. why would the Lord put that desire in me if i shouldn't use it?
This desire is there in every christian and such a desire should motivate you into become a strong "Witness" and "Disciple" and to be as an "Overcomer" first. Some people come to Christ because of the "life" they see in us and because of the life we live. If Evangelistic Preachers are finding success, it could be because there are people who are living as True Witnesses for Christ and seeing them people have attended the meetings, recieved and believed the message. The Bible says that the Doer of the Word is more justified than the Preacher of the Word. After we are born-again God trains us in the school of life and strengthens us spiritually through His Word, empowers us thru His Holy Spirit and gives us some spiritual experience before calling us for Full-time ministry or Long-term Missions. In fact God would be already using us unknowing to us before He calls us for Full-time ministry or Long-term Missions.

dang this. i'm stuck.
Normal for anyone.

i need to talk to someone...but the question is, who?
Good that you decided to consult or share whatz going on in your mind honestly. Because there are sincere brothers and sisters in Christ who can give wise counsels so that you may not commit any gross mistake.

everyone thinks i have my mind already made up about missions. well, i don't. at all. in any way. i hate feeling like this. it breaks my heart to know that maybe God doesn't want me in missions. WHAT? why...i loooove it. why do i feel like this?!
Well, it really shows that your passion is driving you to make up your mind about Missions. It should not break your heart if God doesn't want you in missions because as Disciples of Christ we are to do what God wants us to do. Thatz it. And not be driven by our soulish passions. A christian who has totally surrendered his will to God will be happy to do what God wants Him to do and s(he) will ponder/consult before taking a decision solely based on his/her desire (and where God's revelation is not yet given).

Every Christian wants to do Evangelism, Preaching or go for Mission Fields or Full-time Ministry because that is the most Heroic and Glamorous thing to do as Christians in the sight of religious christendom.

Sorry if it hurts, but, i think you need to wait and seek God's will. Ponder and Consult your sincere christian friends who tell you the truth bluntly for your own good.

Since, God is concerned about you, He is reminding you the words of your christian friend in order to help you make the right decision. and He made you to post this for helping you to get more inputs from christians in the christian forum.

Short-term missions (say for 6-months or 1 year) could be alright to see how strong is your desire to serve in the Lord's ministry and as Lilli has rightfully suggested try some Local Missions first and see how that goes (unless you are a Prophet who is not honoured in your own country). Such an experience will boost your confidence and quench your passion and also help you to assess things. I also suggest you to take the help of an Elderly Christian who is spiritually experienced (and who does not go by soulish zeal or enthusiasm) and who may help you in taking the right decision and also be alongwith you or your group when going to the Missions/Ministry.

Good that you have posted this question as it is going to benefit readers who might be having similar questions.

I am an ordinary christian and i don't have much experience/wisdom.

This is my honest and sincere opinion so far as i have learnt. Lord be with you, guide you and bless you.

For an ordinary Christian...you have a great deal of wisdom.

 

[chanis]

let me simplify it for you all are called, I think some people think that when they hear the word called they automatically think pupit ministry but that's just not the case people can be called to be lawyers, drs, and other professions and share with others about christ in their profession...others are called to vocation ministry...I think the question here is where do you feel God is leading you to...God puts desires and dreams in our heart for a reason and we need to just take those things up in prayer and ask waht he wants to do with them...

 

[BlackRain]

thank you all for your thoughts and advice.

vinc-
thank you for telling it how it is. i really appreciate your effort to answer all my questions. see, i have been on mission trips. i've been on ones in the U.S., mx, and japan. japan was 3 weeks and i didn't want to leave. i loved it there. i loved walking up to complete strangers and telling them about Christ's love. it was an awesome experience. now, i know that that doesn't mean i'm called to missions...but everytime i pray about this the Lord says, "read my word." i do and there's something about the lost or telling others about his son. another thing, i feel like the Lord is telling me that this tension inside is being impatient. i'm stepping ahead of HIS authority over my life. you're right about having my passion drive me, but is that so wrong? doesn't the Lord give us passions and desires? i don't know. i'm thankful at the fact that i don't feel like i'm talking to a wall about this anymore. who knows, i might end up in full time ministry...but for now i'm going to live my life for Christ, here...even though it's not what i want, but it's not about what i want, anyway. the Lord could open up a really cool opportunity for me concerning this and i'll take it when it comes. for now, i'll just sit in the waiting room in silence.

again, i really appreciate everyone's replies.

 

[IKTCA]

...but everytime i pray about this the Lord says, "read my word."

, i feel like the Lord is telling me that this tension inside is being impatient. i'm stepping ahead of HIS authority over my life.

Read his words, obey, and be humble. You will become a great servant, for all servants are humble, obedient, and know his commands by heart. (I only synopsized your post.)

... as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master...(Ps 123)

I pray for you.

Rupert

 

[DawnTillery]

Sounds like you got a tug-a-war going on.
I had something similiar, but not about mission trips..
I would pray and pray only to come up with (i didnt want to do this certain thing) and bang my Pastor would call and ask me to assist on it.
I sometimes wonder if satan just had a hold of me and I couldn't hear God? (Anyone ever feel like that)
At this point I know God not once but several times has worked through my pastor to make sure I was doing these certain things.
Maybe you should get some outside advice - like talking to your pastor (someone suggested that already)
I'm not sure what you need to do, but I do know God does NOT call the qualified, He qualifies those He calls. If you go on your mission trips, through prayer, God will give you the knowledge and strength you need to do what is expected.
If your not ready this time, (someone else suggested) missionary work is anywhere you witness to others that have not heard or have not accepted the truth.

God Bless

 

[Greenthumb]

BlackRain,

When I read your post my first thought was if you are feeling all these things, it sure seems as if God is calling you. Sometimes we sit back and wait for things to happen. But in my experience, if you step out in faith, God will lead you where He wants you to go. All of us are called...in one way or another. Like handmaiden97 said the Great Commission is for all Christians, not just the ones who feel called (or confused about being called). My advice is pray, pray, and pray some more. God will speak to you if you are willing to listen. And who knows, maybe this time next year, you will be a missionary. But also remember that being a missionary starts at home. And that is where you may be of most value. Only God knows.

God bless,
Greenthumb

 

[BlackRain]

yesterday i was praying about this all day long and it occured to me that not only am i impatient about this, but i'm lazy. i don't want to be the first to start this and that. i have so many things in mind that i could be doing here in town, that i just haven't done, yet. i think the Lord wants me to start here and then he'll take me elsewhere. i'll continue to pray about this and seek the Lord's face in this matter.

 

[IKTCA]

Sister BR:
I am so glad to see that your path is becoming cleared. It not only gives joy to us, but also encourages us to seek Him in the same manner.
Rupert

PS: I agree that laziness is believer's number one enemy. It always pushes God's prompts on hold. Must I pray now? Can I pray later? Etc.