It’s hard to believe, but I turned 38 recently.
That number hits a little differently when you’ve spent nearly half your life in ministry, 18 years of showing up, pouring out, learning, failing, growing, and watching God do more than I ever thought possible through people who say yes to Him.
I’m not writing this to reflect on my accomplishments, far from it. I’m writing this because if I’ve learned anything in those 18 years, it’s this: your calling probably won’t make sense on paper, but it’s still real. And it matters more than you know.
We talk a lot in the Church about purpose and calling, but I think sometimes we forget the basics. God could have designed us any way He wanted to, but He chose to make us part of the building.
He invites us to walk with Him and work with Him to build something that lasts forever. That’s why this matters. That’s why I’m still saying yes at 38.
Because expanding God’s Kingdom is the only thing worth giving your life to. And the crazy thing? You have a role in it.
Here are three truths I’ve been holding onto:
1.) You’re Not Just Saved to Sit, You’re Saved to Build
“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV
You’re a builder. Whether you feel like it or not, you’ve been handed tools and placed on a job site.
God is the Master Builder, the One with the plan, but He chooses to build through us. That’s wild.
He doesn’t need our help, but He invites us in. Just like a custom home has framers, plumbers, electricians, and painters, God’s house is built with people who each bring something to the table.
We need all of us.
2.) You’re Not Just Part of the Team, You’re Part of the House
“you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5 NIV
This one hit me deep.
You’re not just helping build the Church, you are the Church.
Scripture doesn’t say you’re like a helper holding the ladder or passing the tools. It says you’re a living stone, meaning your life, your faith, your yes; it’s part of the foundation, the structure, the framework of what God’s building.
You’re not an extra.
You’re not a backup plan.
You’re not someone God will get to eventually.
You are a vital part of what He’s doing right now. He’s not just using your gifts, He’s using you. Your story, your scars, your steps of faith, they don’t just help build the house; they form it.
God is stacking our lives together to build something strong, lasting, and beautiful: a spiritual home where His presence dwells.
Think about that, God could’ve chosen anything to build with, and He chose you.
And that’s not pressure. That’s purpose.
You don’t have to hold everything together, you just have to hold your place. Stay faithful. Stay connected. Be willing to let God use you, just as you are.
You’re not just on the team, you’re part of the house. And God doesn’t leave out pieces when He builds.
3.) What You Build with God Will Outlast You
“In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:21 NIV
There’s a lot in this world that fades fast: platforms, hype, trends. But what we build with Jesus? That lasts.
When you lead with love, serve with humility, give when no one sees, and keep showing up even when you’re tired, that’s Kingdom work. And it’s not wasted. Ever.
I wrote this because I needed the reminder, and maybe you do too.
These truths have anchored me through moments of burnout, insecurity, and even questioning if I’m still called.
At 38, I’m more convinced than ever that the call of God isn’t about the spotlight or stage time; it’s about obedience.
It’s about showing up with what you have and trusting God to do something eternal with it.
You don’t have to have it all together. You don’t need to feel qualified. You need to be faithful. Because God’s not done building, and He’s not done with you.
Final Word: Do Your Part Don’t over-complicate it.
You don’t have to do everything, but you do have to do your thing. The part God gave you.
The Church needs you. The next generation needs you. Your school, family, and community need what God put inside you.
So whether you’re 16, 38, 98, or somewhere in between, do your part. Let’s keep building what lasts.
Josh House is a regular contributor to the Tate Record. His columns can also be found at taterecord.com after they publish in your Tate Record newspaper each week.
