Next Steps (while you wait)
Now that you have discerned a call to vocational ministry, you may be asking, “Now what?” “What are my next steps?” “What can I do while I am in God’s waiting room?”
Before I answer that question and suggest several things that you can do while you’re waiting. Let me share a couple of principles that are applicable to your situation.
God is working while you are waiting.
It is comforting to know that while you are waiting, God is working. In fact, He is working in at least two areas of your life. First, He is working to accomplish His overriding purpose in your life to make you more like Jesus. Notice what Paul says in his letter to the Romans:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Romans 8:28-29).
What an amazing promise! God is not only making all things “work together” for our good and for His glory but He is making us more like Jesus.
The second way He is working is that He is “working out” His gracious providence in your life. He is working behind the scenes to accomplish His will and purpose for your life. And as you wait on Him, He will “direct your path.” Remember Proverbs 3:5-6.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
In addition, while you are waiting, God may be preparing your spouse or children to step into a life of service through vocational ministry. So many men and women have not been able to pursue vocational ministry because their family was not on board. So, it is crucial that God works not only in your life but in their lives as well.
A call to ministry is a call to prepare.
When God calls a man or a woman to vocational ministry, He calls them to prepare. While waiting upon the Lord to show you the path He has for you, you can be intentional about your preparation.
I spent many years doing ministry in South Louisiana and was blessed to have rich fellowship with men who were pastors in the Bayou Region. One of these men shared with us pastors a truth that I have never forgotten. He said, “It’s a whole lot easier for God to steer a moving vessel than one tied up to the dock.” In other words, obey God in the things that you know He wants you to do and as you are faithful to obey Him in those things, He will reveal more of His will and purpose so that you can trust Him and obey. I love what Proverbs 4:18 says:
“The path of the righteous is as the first gleam of the dawn; shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:19).
While you are waiting, let me suggest several things that you can be intentional about doing that will help you to prepare to do the ministry God has called you to.
· Pursue spiritual growth
· Connect with a local church
· Seek out godly mentors
· Gather with an above reproach group
· Continue your education
We will explore these next steps over the next several weeks.
