‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”’ Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
One of the limitations we give God is to assume that His ministry through us can only be fulfilled behind a pulpit, within the four corners of the church building, with a microphone in our hand, or even in the limelight. We have concluded that ministry is confined to the 5-fold. At one church I used to attend, some people there had the preconceived idea that hospital visitation on a Saturday morning wasn’t real ministry.
I was meant to join a department on Sunday and serve where everyone saw me. However, hospital ministry on a Saturday morning sharpened my spiritual gifts. We witnessed demons recognizing the power and presence of God. We witnessed healing taking place; lives completely changed. Ministry is simply spreading your faith; exercising your dominion is the place God has placed you. And you certainly don’t need a stage, lights, and a worship team for that.We beat ourselves up to think the mistakes we have made are mistakes to God. The bible tells us all things work together for our good. Therefore, God uses every opportunity to bring Himself and His power to the people around us. Whether or not we ended up where we are not supposed to be. God uses every single positioning to fulfill His purpose through us.
Let’s take Jesus’ model into account. He came to seek and save the lost. There is no way He can seek out those that were already with Him. Sometimes it took moving cities and crossing lakes. And there is no way He can save what’s already saved. He had to seek out men and women who were wandering and lost. So when Jesus instructs us to go into the world, He tells us the world is every place where people are, where there is a need.
You have to recognize that our lives are made up of seasons, and no season goes to waste when we walk in His purpose and will. Each season has a place where you can minister and be ministered to. Therefore, your ministry is in the workplace as an employee; your ministry is in the home as a son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, or father. Your ministry is in the grocery store. It’s in your business, the gym, the school runs, the hangouts. Your ministry is in every interaction, every conversation, and every ‘bump in.’While we might not fully understand a person’s situation, there is always an opportunity to encourage, pray for, share God’s message, walk with, help, empower, fight for, and that right there is ministry. You are supernaturally equipped to fulfill God’s purpose. You are where you are because God wants to minister His love, His power, His grace through you or to you. Remember, the gifts we have been endowed with are not for us. This means wherever you are right now; there is someone who has gifts specially designed for you. And sometimes, the discovery of those gifts comes with ministry.
Ministry Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the calling upon my life. Thank you for the revelation that my ministry is found everywhere where your temple is, and that’s me. Thank you for the season I am in. Help me recognize the people who need your word and salvation. Please open my eyes to recognize opportunities where I can shine so that you are glorified. As your workman Lord, teach me your Word so that I can stand to confidently and boldly share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for hearts that are receptive and lives transformed in Jesus’ name, Amen.
