At his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior. (Titus 1:3)
Expanded Passage: Titus 1:1-3
Teenagers can tell you that joining a new friend group can be the hardest part of their experience. Whether others will like us and accept us is an underlying fear for many, even of those in ministry. When talking to new members I often hear that joining a group or ministry is the hardest part of attending church. People are often concerned with their own anxieties or feelings of acceptance, even among believers.
I could only imagine being a disciple of Christ and watching the transformation of Paul. When Paul began to preach, the Bible says that it took Barnabas to convince the others to let him into their fellowship (Acts 9:27). The other apostles were questioning whether to believe that Paul truly was called by God and if he was fit to minister with them. Paul had to make a choice at this time, to either continue to preach, or allow the opinions of others to keep him from pursuing his call to ministry.
Speaking to Titus—a gentile Christian—Paul confirmed that we are called by God and chosen to ministry. We do not have to question whether or not we belong, as God has placed a call on our lives and fills us with his Spirit for ministry.
Remember, you are chosen for such a time as this.
Stacy Haynes is a mental health therapist, author, podcast host, and children’s ministry pastor in the Wesleyan Church.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
