Be sure to carry out the ministry God gave you.
Colossians 4:17 (NLT)
A few months ago, I started a notebook especially for my time alone with God. As I read the Bible or other devotional messages, I write down specific words or phrases that God speaks to my heart. As I read back over that list, I’m reminded of specific Scriptures and messages that encourage me.
Today as I was looking at the list, the Scripture that stood out to me is Colossians 4:17 “Be sure to carry out the ministry God gave you.” Recently I’ve been struggling with having to write weekly devotional messages to post on the website I started a year ago. For the first year, I was able use messages that I had written over many years and had stored them in my file cabinet. But now I am writing new ones each week, and it was beginning to feel like a burden at times because there is a deadline. I do know that it wouldn’t be the end of the world if I missed a week. But I still believe it is God’s plan for now to write regularly.
I know for sure that the writing of devotional messages is God’s commission to me. After months of separation from my husband and a planned divorce, God made it clear that this was not the path He had chosen for me. It was a long process of receiving forgiveness from God and from my husband and restoring our marriage. But God led me to the Scripture in Luke 22:31, Jesus’ words to Peter following Peter’s denial: “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And when you have returned, strengthen your brothers.” I knew the Lord was speaking these same words to me, assuring me that even my failure did not disqualify me from God’s plan for my life. He would restore me to a right relationship with Himself and use me to teach others and encourage them in their walk with God. Writing these devotional messages and teaching women’s Bible studies is part of what He had planned all along for my life.
Here are some Scriptures that have encouraged me to change my attitude and focus on the words of the Lord as I carry out the ministry He has given me.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be] work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort] as [something done] for the Lord and not for men” (AMP)
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (NIV).
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (NIV).
I’m reminded of the blessing it is to belong to a God who speaks to my heart. I’m reminded that He knows me personally and that He has a plan for my life. I’m reminded that He gives me all I need through His Holy Spirit in me to follow His plan daily.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What is the ministry God has given you? Maybe it is caring for an aging parent, or parenting young children. Maybe you have a ministry position that feels overwhelming at times. Perhaps it is working at a job that is not satisfying but you have no way out. Or a relationship that is not what you thought it would be.
I encourage you to ask the Lord to give you His strength, His wisdom and clear direction. You can ask Him to change your heart as you choose to continue doing what He has given you to do through the resources He provides.
Thank you, dear Sherrilyn. God has again used you to encourage me very specifically in the verse you used, “Be sure to carry out the ministry God gave you.” I know that right now I’m in a holding pattern, but this too shall pass, and then I want to continue to serve the Lord through writing and painting. I feel afraid I won’t be able to do it, but I also know it is about obedience, faithfulness, and trust. Thank you for your continued faithfulness to our Lord!
This is challenging… such a good reminder!