PRACTICAL TIPS FOR THOSE CALLED TO MINISTRY (everyone😉)

This concerns every believer because we are all called into ministry! However, a ministry doesn’t need to have a name or a venue. It can happen around your dinner table, at your child’s bedside or in a supermarket alley!

What I have noticed is that, whenever I am called to go somewhere or invited to minister at an event, a series of temptations seem to come my way in the weeks directly preceding the season/event that I’ll be entering into.

So, consider it to be normal that you too will be tested in the same way Jesus had been tested before stepping into His own ministry.

Here are a few tips based on Matthew 4:

THE BREAD INCIDENT

You may be tried in terms of the needs of the flesh, in various forms, with the purpose of trying to persuade you to place your physical needs (hunger, sickness, etc) above your calling. When confronted thus, Jesus instantly focused His attention on the fact that God is our Provider. In Him and in His Words we find everything that we need, and we access it by faith. Faith is not a reasonable thing lol, it’s a choice we make to believe that which seems unbelievable. You will need to step out in faith and simply trust God above the opinion of anyone else, even maybe that of a respected, medical specialist...

THE INVITATION TO JUMP

Your faith will be tested. The devil wants us to doubt God’s capacity to intervene on our behalf. Both in terms of our safety and in terms of His wonder working power. You may suddenly wonder if you really will see the miracles you will be trusting God for, or you may allow concern for detail to distract your attention from what is really important, or you may even worry about safety issues regarding yourself, your family or your “flock”.

Never dwell on doubt and fear. Don’t give it the least space in your imagination. (That is where all seeds grow, be it seeds of faith or fear) Remember that fear is the opposite of faith and that doubt is the vehicle toward it.

Jesus quickly retaliated with a “dont you even try” attitude based on the Word. If you even just consider the devil’s suggestions, he will succeed in weekening you. Don’t do it!

DESIRE....

If all else fails, and because the devil knows where you have a weak points, he will no doubt take a carnal angle and try and tempt you with various desires. From finances, to power (control), to lust and addictions, we have all “been there and done that”. Remember that Eve’s first mistake was to even LISTEN to the snake, but her second one was to LOOK at the thing that she was being tempted with. So don’t entertain the devil and only look at and listen to what is good for your spirit.

SO WHAT WOULD JESUS DO...?😉

The example Jesus set, in every case, was to retaliate with the Word. Go seek the promises of God that address the issues you are confronted with and speak them out in faith.

Note that Jesus didn’t bind our rebuke the devil. He didn’t need to. He could simply chase Him away. The Word is stronger than the enemy and if we resist him, applying our faith in God’s Word, he must and will flee.