So you feel called to do Christ’s work while you’re here on Earth. You believe that the Great Commission (Matthew 16:18-20) is speaking directly to you.
While it’s great to have this calling on your life, there’s more to it than there sounds. You also need to be empowered for ministry.
Without being equipped to do God’s work you won’t be successful because you’re striving to do it by your own strength. But what does empowerment for ministry mean? What does it even look like?
Understanding How God Empowers You for Ministry
To be empowered for ministry we must rely on God to fill us with the Holy Spirit so we can be bold witnesses for Him. This is a spiritual war we’re entering into. We cannot do God’s work on our own.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ~ Ephesians 6:12
Seeking Empowerment for Ministry
When the Holy Spirit has empowered us for ministry we know that there’s something much better than self-help. It’s God’s help. Of course, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be optimistic and guard our tongues (Proverbs 18:21) and our habits. What it does mean is that God’s help is also necessary. We need Him if we want to be empowered for ministry.
God is there to help us fight our battles in the Heavenly realms. We don’t have to rely on our strength to wage war against the enemy.
Understanding Supernatural Empowerment
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ~ Isaiah 54:17
When you’re empowered for ministry you’re more powerful than you think because you’re filled with the Holy Spirit. So while you may not be a match for the war you’re facing, that war is no match for God. Think about how God came through for David when he called on Him:
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me. They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
~ Psalm 18:34-45
To do God’s work you mustn’t only be called but you must also be empowered for ministry. Part of this empowerment lies in the fact that we serve a graceful God.
When we ask our good Father for this empowerment, He’ll gladly provide it for us.
