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Follow God's Word, then wait for instructions; In His Word 6:15-2026
Continuing on that in charge thing from last week, I want to bring to mind the fact that God moves us from Ministry to another Ministry as He sees the need. Now, man years ago my husband and I were in youth, and children’s ministries. We moved away from that location so as we continued looking to God for direction we actually ended up being Children’s Pastors while our children were small. Then we each served in different ministries for a while and God used us that way.
In retrospect I can see that He had holes that needed filling and we got to be the putty for a while. I'm not going into details in fact this is showing me how much He has used us in our lives as Christ followers to further the kingdom. So I want you to take a moment and maybe even write down the things He has done in your life, or family member’s life, that you didn’t always think was the right thing, but the next step was amazing!
Selah?
Paul is a great example of the way God does things to change our idea of what we think is the right path, to put us on the next path that is on spot with what He wants for us to be on.
In Acts 9 is reads like this;
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:1-6
Especially focus on that last verse, “Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do” as Paul who is now blind physically is told by Jesus what to do, so can we be told what to do next.
Recently I wondered if I knew the way that Peter felt when he found out Saul, now Paul, had been converted and was now leading many people in sharing the Gospel message. He was after all walking with Jesus from flesh to Spirit and knew Him face to face in the Physical.
Where as Paul only knew Him recently as his Lord and Savior.
Which leads me to an exciting experience I had recently! We went on a Ministry trip to help out a small community for a week. It was a short term mission type trip and I volunteered along side my husband to do whatever they needed us to do.
He got to help with physical building and then assist with the Tournament Games that were put together for the youth of the community. I was a little jealous that I was not in condition to play with the teens myself but it was okay because I was told I could assist the kids group leader! If you don’t realize it yet I am older… not old, but older. In fact I was about double the age or more than my Leader, or the Ministry Lead for the kids! I know I have a lot of experience, but this was new for me to try out. I am someone who loves to take charge of situations, but in this case I had to learn not to do that! I had to be humble to this young woman and allow her to lead me, direct me, even critique me as needed! Can I tell you I was a bit nervous? I thought I would have to bite my tongue not to suggest things but guess what? She worked hard set up planned days and the time the kids spent with her was amazing! She taught them about God, prayed with them, and gave the rest of us workers direction in what our jobs would be. I was happy that mostly I did crafts and cleaned up the messes after. It turned out to be an enjoyable time because this young woman was so skilled, so focused and well, she just really amazed me! I can’t think of anyone else young like that that I would care to serve under, but if God chooses that I would do so!
God tells us to do what He wants us to do: we just need to follow His directions even if it means we are the bottom of the totem pole again. He will use us where we are. Just like with Paul, He told him to go and wait for instructions. Sometimes that is what we do! He sent us on this Ministry trip and said go and wait for instructions, and we did!
Is there an area in your life that God is sending you to a ministry you are not comfortable in?
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do while serving under a person you are not sure you can follow? Seek God, Read the Word, Pray about it, and follow His direction!
Over all it was delightful not having to be in charge of anything, it was kind of freeing!
God is so good that He stretches us to help us grow. Thank God that I did not have to be blinded to follow His directions!
Today and the rest of this week, take time to think about where God is showing you you need to join a team, or a group and then go and do what He says. Be ready to find peace, hope, joy, and release in this process! In Jesus’ name