Prayer for clarity

[carguy1]

I find myself at a crossroads. One road leads to study of music and, eventually, full time music ministry. The other road keeps me on the career path I have been on for the past 11 years. I would love to study music and to eventually move into full time music ministry. However, what I long for more then that is to be within the will of God. I am a registered nurse and work as a clinical systems analyst. Basically I am the computer guy for the emergency department that I have worked in for the last 10 years. The experience and knowledge I have from working in the ED and doing the work I do now on computers has opened up a lot of doors for me and could lead to a very promising career. Throughout my career in nursing I have had one door after another opened by God. I have always felt that these doors being opened were a sign that this was where God wanted me. However, I now see that perhaps that was where God wanted me for that season of my life. I now face a decision that could change many things for my family and myself. Because of the drastic change that this could be, I want to be pretty certain that this is what God wants. I do understand that God can use me in music ministry on a volunteer basis and that for many Christians that is all God asks. I also understand and believe that if God is calling me to study music and eventually to go into full time ministry, then he will provide the means. I do not fear going down this new path, but I do fear making a choice that is clouded by my own desires and isn’t truly the will of God. So, I ask that you all would pray for me that I would know the will of God and that I would recognize the sign that he sends me. Thanks, in advance for your prayers and your counsel.

[fmckinnon]

Matt,

Thanks for being open and vulnerable before us. I can really appreciate the heart and passion you have to know God's will. I will pray that God makes it clear and evident. I have a friend who is a Full Time Nurse, and a Part-Time Worship Leader. So, I've seen that situation, and for him, it works out pretty good.

Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to get a "degree" or study music "formally" to be able to have a career in music ministry. Sometimes this is helpful, but most of the time - a church wants to know if you have God's favor, ability, leadership, humility, and the ability to get it done. The anointing of God doesn't require a degree.

Now, I say that as someone who HAS a music degree with two music majors - and I wouldn't go back and trade that for anything - it was a worthwhile investment. But, I just don't want you to limit yourself by thinking formal training is the only answer. Also, surround yourself by Godly counsel there, around people who know you and your situation directly. ESPECIALLY with your Pastor, and those who you currently serve under. If there is a "call" on your life into FT ministry, God has likely allowed them to see a glimpse of that, and they will affirm it. If they don't affirm it, that could be a way to step back and wait.

Just my $.02 from life's experience ... and offered before I even uttered a prayer, so take it with a grain of salt.
Fred

[carguy1]

I appreciate your counsel. I ahve briefly spoken with Pastor about this. He told me at that time that it would be very difficult for me to be successful in music ministry having waited until the age of 32 to start. He went on to say that he did not wnat to discourage me if God was calling me and also said that he felt it possible that God was leading him to say that as a test of my determination.

I agree with you that music ministry doesn't necessarily require a degree, or any formal education, but formal music training/education is something I have wanted to pursue since I started playing the sax back in 7th grade. Furthermore, I think that for ME to give music ministry all I can, I need to gain more knowledge and formal training is a good way to obtain this.

Again, I thank you for your counsel and your prayers. I will seek out the counsel of my Christian friends. As I consider talking to some of my coworkers I can't stop thinking about the instruction to not be "unequally yoked". In my understanding, part of that is that we are to seek Christian counsel rather then worldy. After all, the ways of Christ are foolishness to the non-believer. Thanks again.

[fmckinnon]

Hey Matt,

Right on - well, hopefully you'll get Godly counsel here. I was definitely talking about getting Godly counsel there as well ... and remember that Scriptures about "casting your pearls before swine" .. meaning, be careful who you share/cast your vision in front of.

Prayer is the main thing ... God will give you perfect peace, I believe, if this is His plan for you.

Are you married? If so - your wife will also have peace and be supportive, assuming that you are seeking the Lord together.

So TWC team - let's come together and PRAY for our friend, Matt!