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A desire has been burning in you for a long time to
minister to a specific type of person. This is not a passing fancy but something
that has burned in you for a while. It could be a desire to bring unbelievers to
know the Lord, it could be a desire to help fellow Christians in their daily walk.
It might be a desire to help people know the truth. It might be a desire to warn
people of certain dangers. Whatever it is, this thing has taken hold of you and will
not let go. The call of God comes from God and not you. All you can
produce in yourself is sin. Paul says in Romans 7:18
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for I really
want to [do good] ; but [how] to practice that which is good I find impossible.
The desire to do the work of God is planted by God and grows over a period of
time. If you desire to do something for God's glory then it must have come from
Him. If it does not fade over time then it is not an emotional fantasy but something
real |
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Not many people share your enthusiasm for what you want to
do. They may warn you to be careful, to calm down. They might even accuse you
of being paranoid. They tell you not to 'rock the boat.' You have begun to
wonder if this thing is of the Lord. Since each person is like a different
part of the body, you could be an eye or ear - there are only two of those in the
body. Or you might be a nose - there is only one. Your ministry is unique, so
do not expect others to share your burden for ministry. The fact that you want to do
something different could be proof that this desire is from the Lord. |
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Your desire is other-oriented. You are not so much
concerned with making a name for yourself as you are with helping other people. You
will gladly give up things that are important to you so that other people may benefit from
your actions. Ministry is servant hood and is likely to cost you a lot.
If your desire is not to help others then it is not a calling to ministry. Jesus
said in Matthew 20:27-28
27 And whoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man did not come to be ministered to, but to minister, and to
give his life a ransom for many
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Over a period of time you have found yourself ministering
to a particular area of need more than others. It seems that you always end up on a
particular subject or type of ministry. And when you do something happens inside you
and you sense a surge taking place. The Lord will prepare you for ministry by
creating opportunities for you. Often you will not be aware of this. You only
know that you feel content doing certain types of ministry. If your ministry is
evangelistic you end up sharing the gospel with unbelievers all the time, and it gives you
a great sense of accomplishment. If your ministry is to believers, you find yourself
ministering more to fellow Christians than to the unsaved. You might find that your
greatest ministry lies in prayer. These are all signposts showing you the way. |
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People have told you that you have helped them, even when
at times you have not been aware of it. Sometimes others can see your ministry more
clearly than you can see it yourself. Solomon said in Proverbs 18:16
A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men
If you have a calling you will not be able to hide it. It will start to show
itself in time and others will begin to notice it. |
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You feel unqualified to do the work of the Lord and
usually feel unworthy to push yourself forward to suggest that you be given an
opportunity. When appeals are made for help you wait for everyone else to step
forward first before you offer your services. Humility is a sure sign of your
genuineness. The Spirit of God always leads gently. He is likened to a dove,
that is meek and easily frightened away. Jesus is called the Lamb of God. A
lamb is also a gentle creature that does not push its way. Since the call comes
gently, you may even wonder at times if you heard right. |
" GMR International: A Christian Resource Ministry dedicated to The Fivefold Ministry and Church Structure, based on the foundation of Jesus Christ." |
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