Daily devotion – are there any young Samuels or Timothys?
The Call to Ministry
1 Timothy 3:1
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”
The desire of a young man to enter the ministry is one of the most wonderful things to witness this side of Heaven. I am deeply grateful to Pastor Thom Whitaker—now with the Lord—for recognizing in me the spark of God’s calling, even when I did not yet fully understand the nature of His work in my life.
The word desire that Paul speaks of here appears only three times in the New Testament. In Hebrews 11:16, it is translated as longing, referring to the longing for a better country. Paul clarifies that this desire is not merely an emotional feeling but a goal divinely given by God!
It is not a dreamy-eyed ambition for a position in the clergy. It is an enlistment in a duty that is exacting and often thankless. It is not a pursuit of glory but a call to serve.
Helen and I are constantly on the lookout for young men and women whom God has called to serve Him. I especially seek out those young men in whom God has placed the heart desire to teach His Word. When such a calling is upon a person, it consumes them entirely—it shapes their decisions, their marriage, their career, their finances, and their family life.
Where Does One Begin?
If you feel that God has called you to ministry, your life will be driven by the Holy Spirit to be in church, serving in every capacity available. You will long for opportunities to exhort and encourage others in the things of God.
A Sunday school classroom often becomes the first God-given pulpit—a place where those called to teach cannot resist the privilege of instructing the smallest saints. Such individuals naturally reveal themselves in the life of the Church.
The Cost of the Call
Unfortunately, too many today stand in ministry without having been truly called, equipped, or anointed by God for this sacred privilege. The true call to ministry comes at a great cost—it will demand everything you have, every day of your life, and every breath you take.
Yet, those who are called never consider what they give up as a loss. Instead, these sacrifices become the marks of true service, distinguishing them as genuine bondservants of Christ rather than mere hirelings.
Let us, as a church, pray for God to raise up within Calvary Chapel Secret Harbour those whom He has appointed for this sacred calling. May they be faithful disciples, willing to give their all for the sake of His Kingdom!
Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!
Ladies- don’t forget we are looking for a special servant to care for our smallests saints each Tuesday here at Calvary Chapel as the Calvary Women study God’s Word, pray and encourage each other. See Helen for more information.