Many people think that the only possible answer to God’s calling into ministry is a simple and uncomplicated yes. Many people who have done this realise, over time and sometimes through burnout or other reasons, that their yes is not simple or uncomplicated or easy. Sometimes they even come to the opposite answer which is no. This answer comes from an initial yes that was too much, that was too costly, that asked too much of them. The truth is, in my opinion, that our answer to God’s calling should be how? and not just a simple yes or no.
Look at Moses in Egypt. As a young man, he tried to help his people through direct action. He killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. His intentions were good but his methods were wrong. He had to run away and lived in exile for years.
When God called him through the burning bush, Moses had changed completely. Instead of acting rashly, he now questioned everything. But these questions weren’t just resistance – they were requests for help and guidance. Each time Moses expressed a fear or concern, God gave him something concrete to help:
When Moses asked “Who am I to go to Pharaoh?” God revealed His name – “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This gave Moses authority – he wasn’t going alone but with the name of God.
When Moses said “What if they don’t believe me?” God gave him two miraculous signs – the staff turning into a snake and his hand becoming leprous then clean again (Exodus 4:1-7). These signs would prove his authority.
When Moses said “I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10), God sent Aaron to be his spokesman. Moses didn’t have to do everything alone.
Each of Moses’ fears led to practical help from God. His questions weren’t blocking his calling – they were shaping how he would fulfill it.
I’ve experienced this pattern in my own ministry. I started by trying to help difficult people and situations with pure determination. I thought being willing to suffer for the cause was enough. I ignored warning signs and my own needs because I believed that’s what ministry required. This led to pain and hurt that took years to process.
Later, I swung to the other extreme and wanted nothing to do with these situations. But now I see there’s a middle way. We can serve God while being honest about our limits and needs. We can ask for help and protection. We can negotiate the terms of our service.
This isn’t about lacking faith. It’s about being realistic. God doesn’t want us to burn out. He doesn’t need our naive sacrifice. When Moses asked questions, God didn’t rebuke him – He gave him tools and support.
If you’re facing a calling to ministry, don’t just say yes without thinking. Don’t say no out of fear either. Instead, ask how. Be specific with God about what you need. Share your concerns openly. Look at what happened with Moses – his fears and questions didn’t disqualify him. They led to a better plan.
The space between yes and no is where real ministry happens. It’s where we work out the practical details with God. It’s where we find ways to serve that don’t destroy us in the process.
God can work with our questions. He can handle our fears. Sometimes, like with Moses, these very fears can lead to the support we need to succeed.
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