Ministers

09/27/12 All of God’s people are to be ministers. We are to be used of God to meet the needs of others. God works in us and through us to accomplish His will and work. Philippians 2:13 says, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Ministry is not something you do for God but what God does in you and through you and for you. Ministry that glorifies the Lord must be done in His strength. Let me share an Old Testament example. The people had returned to the land and though the rebuilding of the temple had begun it hadn’t been worked on in about 16 years. Those called upon by God to rebuild it were not only caught up with their own desires but the obstacles to finish it were like mountains that were unmovable. The circumstances were dark and seemingly hopeless. God speaks to the heart of the prophet Zechariah in a vision to call the people back to what God had already commanded them to do. In chapter 4 of Zechariah God showed the prophet a vision of a lampstand that had oil supplied from two olive trees. The lampstand indicated God’s light and presence. And with His presence comes the power to remove the mountains of obstacles. God told the prophet Zechariah that the temple would be built not by might nor by power but by God’s Spirit. Not even mountains would stand in the way of the One who made them. His work would be accomplished and God would be gloried and His people would be the better for it. The ministry that God called the people to do in Zechariah’s day could not have be done unless God did it through them. Nothing has changed. Every minster who wants to meet the needs of the ones God has called him to, knows he can’t do it without the Lord working in him and through him. It may be possible to do the work of the ministry and still not minister. When true Spirit-empowered ministry takes place hearts are changed and our Lord is glorified. All else is only an appearance of ministry. Is God working in you? How do you know? What evidence can you point to? Do you have a mountain that needs moving? Prayer: Father, the work that you have called me to is impossible without you. I surrender myself to you. Do whatever you need to do in me so that you glory will be seen through me. In Jesus name, amen.