Do you ever wonder if you should stop doing the ministry you are doing and do something else? Ever reconsidered your ministry call? I have…more than once.
What causes us to wonder and question?
- Barriers to ministry
- No response from women
- No longer brings joy
- Opposition in ministry
- Personal pressures from family, work, etc.
- Something else sounds more fun.
- I’m just too old/young
- Something else looks like more fun
- I’m just too tired!
What else would you add? All of these are good reasons to reconsider. But when you do, you must be willing to hear from God. If we’ve already made up our mind, we will miss His best for us. If we have already decided, why even ask God what His will is?
I do not think it is wrong to re-visit your call to ministry and I even think it’s a healthy thing. I wrote a post on this topic some time ago entitled Women’s Leaders Should Reassess Their Call Periodically.
Here’s the deal, as Richard Bach said, “Here is a test to find out whether our mission in life is complete. If you are alive, it isn’t.” In Philippians 1:23-24 we read Paul’s words, “I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ-which is far better-but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.” If God gives us breath, we are to serve!
Now, should you ask God if you are still where He wants you to be? YES! He will either re-direct you, or confirm you are where you are to be no matter how tough it is right now. If you choose to stop without His permission, even if you see no fruit at this point…you will be disobedient! Ouch! But so true.
Pray for the kind of perseverance Paul had he went through ongoing struggles in following God’s call on His life.
Resources:
Is God Calling Me? by Jeff Iorg
