Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the One who loves the world and desires all men to be saved. While God does the work in hearts, He chooses us to be part of the process.
Surely you have observed that not every Christian has the same role in that process. In fact, very often our role changes over time. John the Baptist had an amazing role in preparing for the Messiah. God used him in a tremendous way to prepare the way of the Lord. Large crowds came; John challenged them regarding the way they were living and pointed them to the Lamb of God who was emerging onto the scene. Jesus Himself acknowledged the unique and effective ministry of John.
But then things began to change. As John directed people’s attention toward Jesus, people did start to follow Jesus. John’s crowds grew smaller while those following Jesus grew in size (John 1:35-41 and 3:22-26). When some of John’s remaining followers expressed their concern about the decline in ministry, John was not upset. He stated, “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven” (John 3:27).
It was God who gave John his mission and ministry. John fulfilled what God called him to do. He was the voice calling in the wilderness, preparing the way. There came a time when that ministry was no longer needed. Jesus had a core group of sincere followers, and He had a much larger following of those who wanted to learn of His teaching and see His miracles. Jesus was no longer anonymous. His fame spread, and He was known to the common people, to the Jewish leaders, and even to some in the occupying government.
It was God who also gave Jesus His mission and ministry. Jesus stated over and over again that He came to do His Father’s will. He did nothing that was not given to Him by the Father. He did nothing of His own initiative. Jesus accepted the role that was given to Him. Jesus’ ministry also changed over time. He started with a few. He became overrun by crowds so that He could not escape. He faced opposition as both the common people and the rulers struggled to accept His teaching. That opposition grew to the point of constant threat and then His eventual crucifixion. Jesus accomplished all that the Father gave Him to do.
God still continues to choose a mission and ministry for His servants. Whatever the ministry that a man (or woman) has, he has that ministry only because it is given to him from heaven. God chooses their backgrounds and upbringings. He chooses their spiritual gifts. He chooses their place of service. He guides in their training and in their specific niche of service.
Some serve in hard fields, where the ground is unyielding, while others serve in fields white unto harvest. Some labor to lay the groundwork, while others reap after decades of preparation. Some serve in small villages, while others serve in large urban areas. Some have ministries that are interrupted by political instability or by debilitating health. Some have influence primarily with children, while the adults refuse to believe. Others have sufficient qualified men to provide proper leadership in the church. Some work with families, some with lepers, some with refugees, some with the poor, some with the deaf, some with students, and so on. The results are going to vary based on the combination of factors.
God simply calls us to labor faithfully within the ministry that He has given us. As with John and Jesus, the ministry can change over time. Times of success may turn into times of dryness. Large crowds of curious seekers may dissolve into a core group of true followers. Our energy to work eighty hours a week may diminish into a few profitable hours. The opposites of all those can happen as well. A tragedy can suddenly turn people’s hearts. A new ministry partner can bolster our outreach. A new contact can open a door with a new group of people.
Whatever happens, it is the ministry chosen and given from heaven. There should be no shame or regret in living out the ministry that God has determined, even if it seems small and ineffective. There should be no pride if the growth and results are robust. We sow, we water, but God gives the increase. We simply serve Him with the measure of grace, ability, and opportunity that He provides.
May God encourage you in your ministry, whatever it is. May He give you strength for the demands, wisdom for the decisions, patience, hope, joy, and peace in serving Him.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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