Confirmed

READ: ROMANS 8:26-30; HEBREWS 13:20-21; JAMES 1:2-8

"I don’t know, Lord,” I said. This was two weeks ago. I was sitting in my car before worship practice. For the last two years, I have been following the Lord on a wild journey. I switched churches to lead a youth group. It has been an amazing ride, but recently I’ve been feeling discouraged. I’ve been missing going to church with my parents. I’ve been wrestling with doubt. I’ve been feeling stuck. But I know the Lord led me to where I am. He has made it so clear. Yet, I’ve been wondering if the devil is just trying to keep me discouraged, or if the Lord is stirring my soul because it’s time for a new endeavor. So I asked the Lord, “Can you please confirm my calling again?”

The worship practice and the church service came and went, but nothing happened. And then one of the old ladies in the church approached me. She said, “I was talking to Peggy, and I told her that I thought you had said you were called here.”

A little light when off in my head when she used the word called. And I went home thanking God for answering my prayer. But that wasn’t all. I had a phone call where another member of the church confirmed it. And then two more people came up to me this Sunday—one to tell me I’ve been doing the right thing, and another who literally said, “Today confirms that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

I was shocked. My heart has been so full since Sunday morning. The Lord answered my request so clearly that it nearly takes my breath away. That is the kind of God we serve. He calls us. But then He also listens to us and supports us. Will we feel discouraged? Certainly. But He will follow through. • Natty Maelle

• Throughout our lives, God invites us to ask Him for guidance—and we can even ask Him to confirm that guidance. He speaks to us through His Holy Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church). Are you struggling to discern what God is calling you to do about a situation in your life? If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you’ve been given the opportunity to talk directly to God (Hebrews 4:14-16). Consider taking some time today to talk to Him.

• God frequently works through other Christians to confirm what He is calling us to do in the different seasons of our lives. Do you have someone in your life who could help you discern the Lord’s guidance? Like a friend, mentor, pastor, parent, or counselor? (James 3:13-18)

Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will. Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)