I want to serve God, but we have five children and lots of debts. I don't see how I could ever be a pastor or go to seminary or anything like that. Do I just lack faith that God will provide for us? I don't think so, but sometimes I wonder if I'm on the right path. — K.S.

If God wants you to serve Him by becoming a pastor (or in some other work that requires special preparation), then He will open the door for you to get the education you need. It may not be easy, and it may involve sacrifice on the part of you and your family, but God can be trusted to provide the way.

But it would be wrong for you to assume that this is the only way you can serve God! Yes, the Bible tells us that God calls some people to serve Him as pastors or teachers or evangelists. But God calls most Christians to serve Him in their daily lives—at home with the family; at school; on the job; in their neighborhood; in their church.

The Christians in Thessalonica weren't pastors or evangelists; for the most part, they were ordinary people who held ordinary jobs. But the Bible says of them that "The Lord's message rang out from you ... your faith in God has become known everywhere" (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Christ had changed their lives, and they couldn't help but tell others about Him.

Ask God to help you be a witness for Christ right where you are. Ask Him also to help you be faithful to Him by the way you live (including being disciplined in your finances). Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).