TGYS
Live Your Calling Now
What if your calling isn’t waiting for the future—it’s waiting for your surrender? In this powerful message, Daniel Van Gelderen challenges young believers to stop spectating and start living God’s call now through wholehearted surrender, intentional pursuit, and courageous service. Step under the mantle, burn the plows, and watch God part the waters.
Daniel Van Gelderen urges Gen Z and Gen Alpha to stop waiting for “someday” and live God’s calling now. Drawing from Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 2), he outlines a three-part path to spiritual maturity: absolute surrender, actively seeking God, and ambitious service. With vivid stories (from Tom Brady’s unexpected debut to “kill the cows and burn the plows”), this message calls young believers to go all-in for Christ—no backup plans.
Topics Discussed
- Elijah’s mantle and Elisha’s immediate response (1 Kings 19)
- The contrast between Elisha and the “sons of the prophets”
- Three steps to maturity: surrender, seeking, service
- Double portion: what Elisha actually asked for (2 Kings 2)
- Bold public faith in a distracted culture (Gen Z/Alpha)
- Practical ways teens can serve right now in their local church
- “Burning the plows”: removing backup plans to obey God
Key Takeaways
- God’s call isn’t a future add-on; it’s a present assignment.
- Absolute surrender means tearing up the fallback options.
- Actively seeking God includes humility, teachability, and proximity to godly mentors.
- Ambitious service starts today—show up, step up, and expect God’s power.
- Don’t spectate like the “sons of the prophets”; participate like Elisha.
If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. Your feedback helps others discover the Thee Generation and be challenged to live a life of total surrender to God.
This Sermon is a part of a series
More Than Conquerors
Daniel Van Gelderen is a cellist, conductor, and composer. He and his wife Allyssa have three wonderful children. He leads the Advancement team at Baptist College of Ministry and serves at Falls Baptist Church, training young people to believe God can powerfully use their lives.
