By Pastor Andrew Farland
As believers, we are called to serve others with the ability, heart, and instruction we have received from God. When something good happens in our lives, we want to tell everyone about it. In the same way, as we walk with God, our hearts get to the point where our thankfulness pours over, and we want others to experience the same love we have been given!
So when we feel this desire, what do we do?
How do we do minister in a way that honors God and serves others the most?
And where do we start?
Let me help you unpack it:
Ministry is taking what you’ve been given from God (your abilities, talents, gifts, love, and direction) to meet the needs of others for God’s glory alone.
The first step is to identify what God has given you!
What are you naturally good at?
What has God communicated to your heart to do?
What challenges have you gone through that you could now help others to overcome?
What is that you encourage every other believer to do? (that’s usually what you are called to do)
What need or cause do you like supporting?
What is it that others talk about that interests you?
Once you’ve identified these, pray and ask God if is there is anything else He would like to tell you about how you could minister and wait on Him to receive.
The second step is to pray and ask God how you can use these things to help others and to get started!
This is where you wait on God to show you how to move forward. We have to remember that God’s timing isn’t our timing, but His timing is always perfect. The bible says “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
The best way to learn is to begin.
Once we have taken the first steps, we can trust the Lord to continually guide us. He loves seeing His children move forward in faith trusting that He will provide.
The third step is to give ALL the glory to God.
The Bible tells us that we are to “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name” and to “Ascribe to Lord Glory and Strength.” [1 Chronicles 16:28-29]
None of us are in control. Only God is. After all, which one of us chose to be born?
It would be wrong to minister to others so that we could receive Glory for our own sake. True Godly ministry doesn’t seek money power or fame; it seeks to help others so that God would be glorified.
Our hearts must ONLY seek that others would go to God and praise Him. When you begin to minister for the right reasons your heart will be at peace! You will experience God’s joy.
So start asking yourself these questions and allow God to show you, in whichever way He desires, what you are called to. Then, begin. Get started. You will see God provide for you the opportunities to help others.
When others are helped, remind yourself and the other person that you are only able to do this because God gave you the ability to.
Ascribe to Him the Glory due to His name!
1 Chronicles 16:28
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name.”
Be encouraged today because God is with you.
