Dec 28, 2020
Often, we think our ministry as a call to reach people who don't follow Jesus. Sometimes we think, if everyone we work with is already a Christian, there's nothing for us to do.
Yet in many places in scripture we find examples of how we can minister to brothers and sisters in Jesus. By "minister" we mean helping the people we're with move one notch closer to Jesus. We all have a hole in our being that only God can fill. A minister serves others so they might move one notch closer to Jesus.
Notice how Paul prays for this group of Christians that he has apparently never met. (See Colossians 1:4, 7, 9 and 2:1.) First, he prays that they may be filled with the knowledge of God's will with Godly wisdom and understanding. The purpose of the knowledge is that they would walk in a manner worthy of the calling (vs 10).
How often do you pray about circumstances? Do you pray that someone gets improved circumstances, financial, medical, or physical? Notice that Paul doesn't pray for any of those things for these people. And most Americans today have way more money, better health and comfort than most of the people Paul was writing to. Sure, they didn't have COVID, but look at what we have. Paul prayed that they would be filled with the knowledge of God.
Mike pointed out that his joy was greatest when he was closest to God. Live and walk in such a way that God makes your joy visible. God will use you in any circumstances if you are filled with the knowledge of God's will with the Holy Spirit's wisdom and understanding.
Why not make some plans for the new year now. Head over to MarketplaceMissionTrip.com learn more and sign up for the next Marketplace Mission Trip. It begins in 5 weeks. Invite a friend to join you. You'll see God working in your life when you decide to become a full-time minister where you work.