When we know we have been called by God, we can have the assurance that, no matter what we may experience or the weaknesses we see in ourselves, He will equip us with everything we need to fulfill that call.
The youthful Timothy was one called by the Lord, even though Scripture reveals that by the world’s standards he did not seem like an adequate candidate to take on the responsibility of the ministry. Timothy was a young man, weak in body and shy by nature—not exactly the qualities we would particularly look for in one who was to take the place of the great apostle Paul.
One of the verses that reveals this is 1 Timothy 4:12, in which Paul encourages Timothy to not “let anyone look down on you because you are young.” Paul was aware that Timothy might feel inadequate for the ministry because of his age and lack of experience. But nonetheless, God had called Timothy to this task. The knowledge of his calling must be enough for him to rise up and take heart.
God Equips the Called
You, too, may feel inadequate for the job you have been given. You may struggle just to maintain even the image of someone called by God.
When the Lord called me, I was just finishing high school. When I first became a team leader, I was barely 19. If God could use me—fragile, weak and insecure—to lead others in the ministry, there is hope for every young person called by God, no matter what they lack. I am reminded of this over and over as I see God working in and through the young people who spend a year or two at Gospel for Asia as a part of our School of Discipleship. God uses those who respond to His call, regardless of age or ability.
If you feel discouraged because of a lack of experience or other things, please remember that if you know you are inexperienced, you are in good shape. Only when you think you are able and mature and can succeed on your own are you really in trouble.
God gives grace to those who are weak and humble, using them in the mightiest of ways. But He opposes the proud who think they have it all together and can do the work on their own.
Dr. KP Yohannan, founder and director of Gospel for Asia, has written more than 200 books, including Revolution in World Missions, an international bestseller with more than 4 million copies in print. His Road to Reality radio program airs on more than 200 outlets worldwide. He and his wife, Gisela, have two grown children, Daniel and Sarah, who both serve the Lord with their families.
School of Discipleship is a unique life-changing year at Gospel for Asia’s home office in Wills Point, Texas (near Dallas). Students learn and serve alongside GFA staff and are daily challenged to live their lives in community with Christ and others. Along with discipleship classes, students have a ministry role in the GFA USA office, which enables them to be part of transforming lives on the other side of the world. The school is open to dedicated Christian single adults who are between the ages of 18 and 27.
Learn more Gospel for Asia’s School of Discipleship in the US or the Canadian GFA Discipleship Program.
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