I don’t want to live my life pleasing other people that I don’t please God.
This phrase hit home for me last night.
People ask all the time why did I choose the mission field. Why did I choose to be a missionary? I’m going to be quite honest with you all and say I didn’t choose it.
I was called to it.
We are all called to do some type of ministry as Christians and ALL ministry is important. Stay at home mom/dad feeding life and truth into your children? Ministry.
Have a friend who has had a rough go at life and doesn’t know Jesus? Ministry. Do you work in a cubical all day? Ministry.
Do not for a second think that just because you aren’t on a stage with a mic that you aren’t in ministry or that your ministry is less important.
—- read Luke 9:1-2 & 10-17—–
The disciples had been called by Jesus to go out into towns and do miracles. They came back, told Jesus all they had done, and were exhausted. Man were they tired. Casting out demons all day must take a toll on you…
Jesus noticed that they were drained, so he said how bout lets take a break and go somewhere together (I am obviously paraphrasing). So they did.
See. Jesus kind of created quite a following. When they got to the new town, there was a huge group of people.. idk around 5,000 and the disciples were like MAN. Jesus welcomed the people, but the disciples asked Jesus.. will you just send them away. We only have a few pieces of bread and two fish. We can’t feed all these people. Jesus had a better plan. He got the food, BLESSED IT, and started feeding the people. The people ate and were SATISFIED. There were 12 basketfuls of food left. One for each disciple.
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WOW. ok. lets take a second to reflect.
When Jesus initially called the disciples to go out and heal and cast out demons, what did they do?
Did the say ehh not today Jesus or did they try to negotiate with him? I don’t really wanna be around demonic people all day so can I just go preach to some cool people who already know you? I know I’ll be accepted there. NO. They just did it and afterwards they told Jesus what they did with their time and the gifts he provided them with.
We should be celebrating each other’s ministry and accepting our own. God made us all different for a reason. I really don’t think he would be happy about us trying to be like someone else.
If you feel nervous about your ministry, know this. Before God sends, He gives. He will equip you with everything you will need for the task. Be confident in that. If you feel like you are lacking anything, pray to God for strength. He will equip you with anything you need (not want).
Lastly, if you know your ministry and you’re excited about it, but something seems off? Don’t rush it. Be patient. Do not prematurely send yourself into something you are not ready for. God’s timing is perfect and if you aren’t ready.. you might get burned.
If you want to see God do miracles, don’t wish away the multitude. If Jesus had listened to the 12, they would have never seen their little be turned into much. God will multiply your little and leave you feeling satisfied.
