God gave me an answer

[jbk1203]

Four days ago I felt a sudden urge to become a vicar when I am older. I don't know what brought it on; it just came to me all of a sudden. I thought this was strange, and therefore I thought it may be a message from God.

The same night, and the night after, I prayed to God that he would tell me whether he wants me to become a vicar when I am older, and if so, what I can do now, as I wait until I am old enough. The next day there was nothing, or at least, I didn't realise any answer. Thus, I prayed again, that God would give me the answer.

The next day, on Saturday, I found a new radio station called 'Premier Christian Radio'. The show that I listened to was just playing back the best parts of the last week. I was doing nothing else so I was paying close attention what they were saying. That was when, I feel, my prayer was answered.

The host asked the guest, a vicar, what young people should do if they feel they want to be a vicar when they are older. Of course, I was now paying even more attention to the radio. The vicar said that 'they should start where they are, be an active member of their church'.

Do you think that this was God's answer to my prayer? How would you suggest I become an active member of my church at my age (14)?

 

[Miri]

Hi jb, great question you have raised.

As a young person (long time ago now!), I enthusiastically got involved in everything.
At your age I was helping with the younger children's work - not as a teacher but helping out supervising,
helping with quizzes etc. Then as I got older I began to help with some of the preparation of the
visual aids and various other things.

I am also musically minded and I played the guitar and flute back then plus the piano accordian
so I use to provide some music at various times for the church and helped out with Easter and Christmas stuff.

Then there is the other practical things like helping with the washing up after communion,
helping with the church cleaning etc. maybe not so glamorous but it is good training for a servant heart.

As I got older around 17 I use to go to a city mission and support their open air work and also attend their
prayer meetings and help out at a children's camp, plus various other things.

There is so much to do to support a church but the labourers are few. I'm sure if you make your
willingness known to provide help and put yourself into it fully, there will be no shortage of things
you can do. God will also bring opportunities your way.

As for becoming a vicar, well only you can know if it is something God has put on your heart.
One thing I know is to never under estimate the calling of God on a young person's life.
If it is right for you to be a vicar, pastor, teacher etc, then all of the above training in becoming a servant,
along with all the other opportunities is a good start.

Also not sure what your bible reading is like, but find yourself a good age relevant bible plan and
find out as much as you can about God and His ways and learn to love His word. Allow it to
become meaningful to you and let it grow inside of you. Get excited about the word of God, don't read
it because you have to, but learn to enjoy it and read it because you want to.

Most importantly prayer and ask Jesus to be part of your life, and build a relationship with him.

As you get older different priorities will come your way, but if you can put Jesus at the centre of
what comes your way, then you won't go far wrong.

God bless
x

PS don't forget to have fun! Christianity does not mean having a dry joyless life!