Why am I not in ministry?

[Janet842]

It has always seemed to me that someone with a testimony such as mine, and someone who has been "worked over" by the Lord for as many years as I have, is called to some sort of ministry. That hasn't happened with me and I find it puzzling. It would have made sense for me to have felt driven to become a counselor or psychologist... nothing. All I have done in recent years is to off and on mentor a few people... but as far as turning that into some sort of larger ministry?... nothing.

My life is one big nothing right and I will grant you that my mood is made worse by being unemployed at this time with no prospects.

There is just so much I don't understand. I have been put through so much more than just about everyone I know. I'll bet 90 percent of my life as a Christian has been spent in trials, tribulations, discipline and testing. I want all that pain to be for something larger than just spending my life at some job that does very little to further the Kingdom of God other than giving me cash to put in the plate on Sundays.

Recently, I found a month old job advertisement for someone to work as an assistant to a worship minister and I would have fit that job very well with the skills I have. I broke down in tears for having missed that opportunity.

I want my life to count for something... for a LOT of something, but all I draw is a blank when I talk to God about it. I feel like I'm wearing those blinders that keep horses from seeing out of their peripheral vision, but my blinders keep me from seeing straight ahead of me, too.

What now?

 

[stormdancer0]

Until God opens a door, minister where you are. Just because you have an amazing testimony doesn't mean you are called to a pastoral ministry. In God's economy, we are ALL ministers. It sounds like you are doing God's will by sharing your testimony with others. Keep doing that. 95% of people who come to God, come to Him through the testimony of normal, every-day people like you, who have gone through a lot, but have kept their faith.

It may be that you will be called, but until you see the path, stay where you are and minister to those around you. Remember, everyone you testify to is changed by your testimony. As they change, they change others around them. And it all starts with you sharing.

Above all, don't let the enemy discourage you. If God wanted you in a specific ministry at this time, you'd be there. God will use you just where you are and who you are. You WILL change people. You ARE a minister of God. Mankind's titles mean nothing to God, and have nothing to do with your position in His kingdom.

 

[Jamesja]

On a farm there are many jobs. We would all like to be the one to harvest the crop.

In reality there are many jobs that are thankless. Indeed someone hauls manure.

In the end we will be rewarded with how well we did the job we were asked to do.

The reward is in eternity. Life is but a blink in comparison to the endless ages to come. Do your best with what you have and never give up.

 

[Vimi]

Hi Janet842,

Have you considered attending a bible school? Maybe one where you can live on campus and get the whole experience. There are so many things that you could do for the Lord. Missions opportunities like Americorps & Peace Corps too but there churches that affiliate with bible schools in their area and they desperately need compassionate people who have a heart for God. It's just a matter of being in an environment that supports those efforts.
Bible school may give you better options and open up your view to what is really out there. People I know, who have attended bible schools like Rhema often say that they have too much work to do in ministry and not enough help so.... it would be somewhere to start at least. I hope this helps. I'll be praying and asking the Lord to confirm His words in your heart.

 

[sedg]

It has always seemed to me that someone with a testimony such as mine, and someone who has been "worked over" by the Lord for as many years as I have, is called to some sort of ministry. That hasn't happened with me and I find it puzzling. It would have made sense for me to have felt driven to become a counselor or psychologist... nothing. All I have done in recent years is to off and on mentor a few people... but as far as turning that into some sort of larger ministry?... nothing.

My life is one big nothing right and I will grant you that my mood is made worse by being unemployed at this time with no prospects.

There is just so much I don't understand. I have been put through so much more than just about everyone I know. I'll bet 90 percent of my life as a Christian has been spent in trials, tribulations, discipline and testing. I want all that pain to be for something larger than just spending my life at some job that does very little to further the Kingdom of God other than giving me cash to put in the plate on Sundays.

Recently, I found a month old job advertisement for someone to work as an assistant to a worship minister and I would have fit that job very well with the skills I have. I broke down in tears for having missed that opportunity.

I want my life to count for something... for a LOT of something, but all I draw is a blank when I talk to God about it. I feel like I'm wearing those blinders that keep horses from seeing out of their peripheral vision, but my blinders keep me from seeing straight ahead of me, too.

What now?

Hi there, I don't know if this is something you would be interested in but Global Media Outreach (part of Campus Crusade for Christ), needs people to be 'Online Missionaries'.

They get hundreds of thousands of emails from people around the world that have been on their evangelical websites and have made descions for Christ,and those seeking and that have questions.

The "Online Missionaries" goal is to help these new converts become Christians disciples and answer their questions/give Christian advice, etc.

There's a two week training, and supervision. You can set the number of emails you respond to daily. It can be done from your computer at home. Once your receive an email from someone, that ne disciple is assigned to you and you will respond tp any further emails unless you have to reffer them to a specialized topic/language group.

I can't post links yet due to not enough postings, but the info below will enable you to find where to sign up and/or more info, if you care to.

Take care & may God bless you

google these words: become an online missionary

website name: Global Media Outreach dot com

 

[Chilaha]

It has always seemed to me that someone with a testimony such as mine, and someone who has been "worked over" by the Lord for as many years as I have, is called to some sort of ministry. That hasn't happened with me and I find it puzzling. It would have made sense for me to have felt driven to become a counselor or psychologist... nothing. All I have done in recent years is to off and on mentor a few people... but as far as turning that into some sort of larger ministry?... nothing.

My life is one big nothing right and I will grant you that my mood is made worse by being unemployed at this time with no prospects.

There is just so much I don't understand. I have been put through so much more than just about everyone I know. I'll bet 90 percent of my life as a Christian has been spent in trials, tribulations, discipline and testing. I want all that pain to be for something larger than just spending my life at some job that does very little to further the Kingdom of God other than giving me cash to put in the plate on Sundays.

Recently, I found a month old job advertisement for someone to work as an assistant to a worship minister and I would have fit that job very well with the skills I have. I broke down in tears for having missed that opportunity.

I want my life to count for something... for a LOT of something, but all I draw is a blank when I talk to God about it. I feel like I'm wearing those blinders that keep horses from seeing out of their peripheral vision, but my blinders keep me from seeing straight ahead of me, too.

What now?

Read this book AS SOON AS YOU CAN.

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ
This guy was wondering the same thing as you? Is this all my life is going to be? He also wasn't any popular person of the Bible either, only a few verses on him.

All we know about him is this:
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (NIV Version)

Pray this prayer and you WILL find your ministry. That is what "enlarging your territory is".
I can promise you the book and Prayer of Jabez WILL change your life IF YOU LET IT.

I hope this helps, I am reading this book right now and I now know that there is a bright future ahead.

Chilaha

 

[stormdancer0]

Hi there, I don't know if this is something you would be interested in but Global Media Outreach (part of Campus Crusade for Christ), needs people to be 'Online Missionaries'.

They get hundreds of thousands of emails from people around the world that have been on their evangelical websites and have made descions for Christ,and those seeking and that have questions.

The "Online Missionaries" goal is to help these new converts become Christians disciples and answer their questions/give Christian advice, etc.

There's a two week training, and supervision. You can set the number of emails you respond to daily. It can be done from your computer at home. Once your receive an email from someone, that ne disciple is assigned to you and you will respond tp any further emails unless you have to reffer them to a specialized topic/language group.

I can't post links yet due to not enough postings, but the info below will enable you to find where to sign up and/or more info, if you care to.

Take care & may God bless you

google these words: become an online missionary

website name: Global Media Outreach dot com

Sounds wonderful!! I think I'll give it a shot.

 

[Memukan]

No disrespect, but YAH does not call the qualified, HE qualifies the called. Why are you suprised at the fiery trails that come upon you to prove you ? YAH is in complete control, HE will bring to completion the work HE has begun in you. The work HE has for you is for HIS GLORY not yours.Besides did you have anything to do with your Salvation ? While your not working make the most of your time. Reading the Bible, Praying, Praise & Worship. I'm not talking about an hour. I'm talking about all day everyday until you hear. YAH said; He has given you a future and a Hope. You will find HIM when you seek with all your heart. Jer.33:3 I will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known. Seek and you shall find, Blessed is he who hunger and thrist for they shall be satisfied.

 

[bibledoctrine]

Romans 8:18: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. This is our attitude today. If we have no sufferings in this life, then it is probably due to Satan upholding someone inside the bondage of a health and wealth ministry.

II Corinthians 5:18: And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

We all have the ministry of reconciliation. We are all called to perform this ministry, it is not something that we get employed and paid to do. It is fully the work out of our love for the One who loved us first - God the Father.

Ephesians 4:12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Our ministry of reconciliation is to perfect the saints and edify the body of Christ. This is our personal ministry which we all have from God. Today, God is not calling people to move mountains...He has called believer-saints to faithfully perform the ministry of reconciliation to the lost souls, and For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

 

[tturt]

Also, there's a learning period for ministry usually. The school of prophets were with Elijah, disciples were with Yeshua, and they went out in pairs for ministry later. He knows where you are and what His plans are. You know just be faithful in the areas He's opening up for you now.

 

[Christsfreeservant]

It has always seemed to me that someone with a testimony such as mine, and someone who has been "worked over" by the Lord for as many years as I have, is called to some sort of ministry. That hasn't happened with me and I find it puzzling. It would have made sense for me to have felt driven to become a counselor or psychologist... nothing. All I have done in recent years is to off and on mentor a few people... but as far as turning that into some sort of larger ministry?... nothing.

My life is one big nothing right and I will grant you that my mood is made worse by being unemployed at this time with no prospects.

There is just so much I don't understand. I have been put through so much more than just about everyone I know. I'll bet 90 percent of my life as a Christian has been spent in trials, tribulations, discipline and testing. I want all that pain to be for something larger than just spending my life at some job that does very little to further the Kingdom of God other than giving me cash to put in the plate on Sundays.

Recently, I found a month old job advertisement for someone to work as an assistant to a worship minister and I would have fit that job very well with the skills I have. I broke down in tears for having missed that opportunity.

I want my life to count for something... for a LOT of something, but all I draw is a blank when I talk to God about it. I feel like I'm wearing those blinders that keep horses from seeing out of their peripheral vision, but my blinders keep me from seeing straight ahead of me, too.

What now?

Obey what you know to do, i.e. what we are all called to do. You have a computer and access to the internet, and you have connected yourself with a Christian website, and you know how to write, so write out what the Lord teaches you each day through your quiet times with him, share how he is applying it to your life and what you are learning through it, and/or share the changes you hope and plan to make in your life because of what you learned. We need more people sharing what the Lord is teaching them each day in order to encourage the rest of the body of Christ. Lots of messages out in the world, but not many from fellow believers encouraging other believers in their walks of faith with the Lord. So, share with us what you are learning through all your trials and how God has brought you through them and what he taught you along the way and/or what you feel you still have yet to learn.

 

[riverhooks]

Ministry so many fall away because they don't get it. I've known some very anxious even ambitious to be in the ministry. Referring to a five fold ministry which is for the equipping of the saints for the work of their ministry. Our ministry is the ministry of reconciliation part of this ministry is letting the light of life divine life the fruit of the spirit to shine out of us. 2 Corinthians 4 "seeing we have this ministry we faint not". Our access to God with confidence through the faith of Him , every prayer asked according to His will yea and amen, the empowerment through these priviledges to ask and receive the work of the Holy Spirit in men's lifes anytime anywhere whether you are sleeping under cardboard at the side of a freeway or not. How much more shall your Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him. You are someone in Christ. Soak up the Word , learn your eternal identity in the New Testament . If you continue in My Word then are you my disciples indeed. Your fervent effectual prayer avails much as you impact a lost and dying world. Be a branch and abide in Vine . All the best bro, been there done that . As Sue said, I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. p.s. I am a senior and veteran also. retired and still looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.

 

[All4HISglory]

I think you have some great advice here already.

If I could add anything it would be what always helps me come to a slower pace in ministry when I feel the urge to run.

Ministry begins in the home first. I of course don't know your home life but take a look and see what it is that you can do effectively right within your own walls. If you are married, what spiritual state is your husband in? If you have kids, where is their dedication and commitment to the Lord? If none of those or if those areas are squared away what about other family members? Can you start a bible study in your home for your own family?

Often we think of ministry and think "pulpit" but ministering is far much beyond that. Even if you never preach from a pulpit, your very conversation with a person is ministry.

I look at life and see ministry.

Seek God and let Him direct you to where and how He desires to use you. We must be very careful to wait on our ministry. God exalts the humble so humble yourself even more and seek God. He will exalt you in due season to the position in ministry that He wills for you. No matter what it is, when it's from Him, you will be filled. Amen.

~Jrs_Lovely1 {iPad}

 

[B-74]

I think you have some great advice here already.

If I could add anything it would be what always helps me come to a slower pace in ministry when I feel the urge to run.

Ministry begins in the home first. I of course don't know your home life but take a look and see what it is that you can do effectively right within your own walls. If you ate married, what state is your husband in? If you have kids, where is their dedication and commitment to the Lord? If none of those or if those areas are squared away what about other family members? Can you start a bible study in your home for your own family?

Often we think of ministry and think "pulpit" but ministering is far much beyond that. Even if you never preach from a pulpit, your very conversation with a person is ministry.

I look at life and see ministry.

Seek God and let Him direct you to where and how He desires to you. We must be vert careful to wait on our ministry. God exalts the humble so humble yourself even more and seek God. He will exalt you in due to season to the position in ministry that He wills for you. No matter what it is, when it's from Him, you will be filled. Amen.

~Jrs_Lovely1 {iPad}

Amazing. Thanks.

 

[Indignus]

It has always seemed to me that someone with a testimony such as mine, and someone who has been "worked over" by the Lord for as many years as I have, is called to some sort of ministry. That hasn't happened with me and I find it puzzling. It would have made sense for me to have felt driven to become a counselor or psychologist... nothing. All I have done in recent years is to off and on mentor a few people... but as far as turning that into some sort of larger ministry?... nothing.

My life is one big nothing right and I will grant you that my mood is made worse by being unemployed at this time with no prospects.

There is just so much I don't understand. I have been put through so much more than just about everyone I know. I'll bet 90 percent of my life as a Christian has been spent in trials, tribulations, discipline and testing. I want all that pain to be for something larger than just spending my life at some job that does very little to further the Kingdom of God other than giving me cash to put in the plate on Sundays.

Recently, I found a month old job advertisement for someone to work as an assistant to a worship minister and I would have fit that job very well with the skills I have. I broke down in tears for having missed that opportunity.

I want my life to count for something... for a LOT of something, but all I draw is a blank when I talk to God about it. I feel like I'm wearing those blinders that keep horses from seeing out of their peripheral vision, but my blinders keep me from seeing straight ahead of me, too.

What now?

Read this book: The Spiritual Guide, by Michael Molinos. Do not research the book or its author before you read it, or you will be influenced by the opinions of others who DO NOT UNDERSTAND his writing. It would be best to read the introduction first, and then to go to the back of the book and read the brief biography of the author's life before you read the rest of the book. Once you read these, you will find the rest of the book is surprisingly short.

It is wise to be cautious of reading new things, especially those that deal with spiritual matters. It is unwise, however, to immediately discount them as being heretical or false in some way, based only on what other people have to say about them, who do not understand them and seek to destroy what they do not understand, simply because they do not understand it.

Whatsoever you do in life, do it with an open mind and without preconceived notions, while taking care not to transgress God's laws and the holy scriptures. This should apply to the reading of books as well. If you find anything in your reading of this book that contradicts God's Word, I urge you to put it down immediately. However, I think you will find it has the answers to the questions you have regarding your less-than-joyful spiritual walk. Despite the ecstasy and happiness that other Christians may profess, this is only one side of the coin of our Christian walk. The other side is suffering. The suffering will only be meaningless if you do not make the effort to learn from it and to bear the cross that God lays upon you.

This book The Spiritual Guide was burned en masse by the Catholic Church for the spiritual truth it contains which threatened to destroy the materialistic traditions of the Church. Its author was imprisoned and died in a dungeon in 1697, all because he wrote this book. Read it with an open mind, and pray that God would help you to understand it. It answers all the questions that sincere Christians want to know, such as why God allows suffering and evil to come into our lives and why sometimes our walk with Him is not joyful or even meaningful, and why it can be dry or even dark sometimes. It is all for our own good, to purify us and to purge us of the self-love in our hearts that hinders Him from completing the work that He has begun in us.

 

[hopetoday]

jhkjhkjhkjhkj

 

[B-74]

All we can do is strive to serve the Lord where we are. If God wants more He will make it so.

 

[Memukan]

Read this book: The Spiritual Guide, by Michael Molinos. Do not research the book or its author before you read it, or you will be influenced by the opinions of others who DO NOT UNDERSTAND his writing. It would be best to read the introduction first, and then to go to the back of the book and read the brief biography of the author's life before you read the rest of the book. Once you read these, you will find the rest of the book is surprisingly short.

It is wise to be cautious of reading new things, especially those that deal with spiritual matters. It is unwise, however, to immediately discount them as being heretical or false in some way, based only on what other people have to say about them, who do not understand them and seek to destroy what they do not understand, simply because they do not understand it.



Whatsoever you do in life, do it with an open mind and without preconceived notions, while taking care not to transgress God's laws and the holy scriptures. This should apply to the reading of books as well. If you find anything in your reading of this book that contradicts God's Word, I urge you to put it down immediately. However, I think you will find it has the answers to the questions you have regarding your less-than-joyful spiritual walk. Despite the ecstasy and happiness that other Christians may profess, this is only one side of the coin of our Christian walk. The other side is suffering. The suffering will only be meaningless if you do not make the effort to learn from it and to bear the cross that God lays upon you.

This book The Spiritual Guide was burned en masse by the Catholic Church for the spiritual truth it contains which threatened to destroy the materialistic traditions of the Church. Its author was imprisoned and died in a dungeon in 1697, all because he wrote this book. Read it with an open mind, and pray that God would help you to understand it. It answers all the questions that sincere Christians want to know, such as why God allows suffering and evil to come into our lives and why sometimes our walk with Him is not joyful or even meaningful, and why it can be dry or even dark sometimes. It is all for our own good, to purify us and to purge us of the self-love in our hearts that hinders Him from completing the work that He has begun in us.

Thanks for posting the book The Spiritual Guide. I'm going to read that my self.

Shalom
Memukan

 

[journey7]

I used to have my own ministry, given by God. I would not start another minister if my life counted on it. I will do bible studies but to have a ministry. When I had my ministry, I had a lot of attacks from other ministries because of Jealousy. That broke my heart to see that in the body of Christ. We are the body of Christ but we don't act like a body of Christ. I had other ministries that tried to destroy my reputation and other people who cut me off when I left the ministry because of exhaustion.

We are all ministers in the Lord and there is opportuntiy around us all the time. It is better to be low and not lifted up by a ministry.

Yes, when you have a ministry, much rummors go around about you regardless how straight you walk but the lesson to learn is our reputation is in the Lord and not in people. If you are right with God, then who cares what others think.

I've learned it is better not have a ministry but be available to listen to folks. I do write and have blogs of over 500 articles I've written. I love to write and I do minister to people here in the state and abroad but very limited.

When you have a ministry, it becomes a business. Taxes, accountants, etc. etc. etc. and my life got so busy keeping up with everything that I did not have a life and burned out.

We are all saints and have callings and purposes in life and the opportunity is all around us. Listen to others hurting and reach out in love to bring comfort, feed the poor, share the gospel, heal the sick and bring deliverance according to Mark 16.

Praise the Lord, God is Good.