The Bible says: ‘As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted… prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.’ (Acts 13:2–3 NKJV) Notice three things:

(1) Barnabas and Saul were in church when God called them. And the Holy Spirit still speaks to us when we gather to pray, worship, and hear God’s Word. One reason we don’t have clear direction for our lives is because we aren’t in the place where God can speak to us objectively through His Word, and subjectively through His Spirit.

(2) Their calling was confirmed by proven leadership. Those who laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, confirming their calling, were leaders who took time to pray, fast, and seek God’s will. Such people are a gift. They won’t necessarily tell you what you want to hear, but they’ll tell you what you need to hear. They’ll counsel, correct, and comfort you when you need it, and confirm God’s will for you. So, do you have such relationships in your life? If not, get busy and find some.

(3) God doesn’t play hide-and-seek with His will for your life. God called Paul and Barnabas by name. Yes, He knows your name, where you live, and the circumstances you’re in. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress (to hide it from the Midianites) and Peter was out fishing when God called them. Your lack of ‘ministry’ experience doesn’t limit God. That’s because He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. So wait on God, and when the time is right He will call you.