HEY MIKE! I feel at home whenever I go on a missions trip with my church. In fact, I think God just might be calling me into the ministry. I’ve felt this way for as long as I can remember, but how can I know for sure?
—D.F., Sussex, U.K.
Discovering God’s call on your life is an exciting step into manhood. If you make every effort to know Jesus intimately, His desires for you will gradually come into focus — whether you end up as a minister or a medical doctor. With each step in the days ahead, here are some key questions you should be asking yourself:
Do I sense the Lord directing my steps in a specific direction? It sounds as if you can answer “yes.” If so, Proverbs 16:3 is a solid clue that you’re on the right track: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” But your plans have no strength if they’re not from God.
Am I getting positive feedback from the body of Christ (people in my local church)? The smartest thing you can do is to seek the wisdom of trusted Christian leaders: your pastor, a youth worker, even a church elder. Keep in mind that the Lord often gives direction through the voices of other Christians. But always check their advice against God’s Word.
Do I feel at peace when I pray? This, too, may be a good indication that you’re on the right track. And as you grow closer and closer to Christ, your instincts will become more sensitive to His influence. Your entire mind and spirit will become more in tune to God, and you’ll begin to sense His will more clearly. The Holy Spirit deals with each human being in a personal and intimate way, convicting, directing and influencing us.
How strong is my daily walk with Jesus? Your outward ministry is directly influenced by your inward spiritual health. As I said above, God’s first call in our lives is to know Him intimately. Tune in His voice through quiet times, prayer and Bible reading.
HEY MIKE! I find it awkward to talk to my dad about sex and girls (among other things). It’s not that he isn’t home; it’s just tough to bring stuff up without him thinking I’m doing something wrong. Any suggestions?
—H.P., Lawrence, Kansas
Most guys struggle with these issues. But talking about sensitive matters is one of those things you just have to do — even if you feel awkward. Here are some thoughts you can hold onto for encouragement:
• Remember that your dad was once a teenager. He’s been through the same stuff. I don’t know why so many guys think their dads are ignorant about sex. Where do they think they came from — the Tooth Fairy?
• For some dads, this might be a little weird. Just be honest with him about what you’re feeling.
• Don’t be afraid to tell your dad about your fears of discussing this stuff with him. Tell him you’re worried that he might jump to conclusions. If you shoot straight, you just might find that your dad will, too.
HEY MIKE! I have a friend who claims to be a strong atheist. He has made it very clear that he doesn’t believe in God. I’ve talked to him about Jesus, but he just throws everything I say right back in my face. Is there any way I can get him to believe that following Jesus is the only way to live? Or should I just leave him alone and let him believe whatever he wants?
—B.P., Waynesburg, Pa.
Don’t give up on him, but certainly don’t argue with him either. The fact is, this guy simply can’t receive the truth until God takes away his spiritual blindness.
With this in mind, here’s the best way to share your faith: love, listen and pray.
Remember: God doesn’t want us to be lawyers who go around pleading His case. Instead, He needs us to be witnesses who will bear His testimony. If you remain faithful in doing that, you can leave the heart-transforming, eye-opening stuff to God. 
