Ministry 101 – Taking a Risk

In ministry, whatever you are called to do requires you to take a risk. God leads you to accomplish the calling that you were made for. But He’ll never tell you from step 1 to step 10. I’m sure you wish He did. But if He did, it won’t take your faith or obedience. At the same time, you listen to the Holy Spirit with your limited human ears and comprehension. You won’t be 100% sure you’ve heard Him right. It doesn’t mean that you doubt that God has spoken to you. You are just not sure if you can listen to Him right for 100%.

Taking a step of faith is risky.

Have you ever considered how much risk that Mary, the mother of Jesus, took? What came across her mind when the angel came to her and told her what is about to happen? You and I read the Christmas story year after year as good news to the world. But when you think about what Mary really had to deal with in her life, it was risky.

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” – Luke 1:34 NIV

Mary knew all things are possible with God. She wanted to know “the process.” But God knew that she would need to conquer her fear and take a risk to do His will. The angel greeted her,

Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. – Luke 1:30 NIV

Faith always accompanies by fear. When God gives you a task to accomplish His will, He will give you step 1, but you need to find out the rest of the steps after you jump in. It’ll unfold as you go. But the truth is God will never let you walk you alone. Mary knew that.

Mary had to conquer her fear of rejection from others. What would Joseph think? What would her parents say? What will be the reaction of people in her community, and does she have to worry about being stoned? She was only a teenage girl. She didn’t know how to be a mother. She wasn’t even married yet.

But she took a risk with her faith, knowing that Her God is good. She said, “Yes” to God by saying,

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:38 NIV

When God leads you to an unknown place in ministry, you must remember that you need to take a risk. At the same time, you can be confident that God is able.

Here are a few reasons why you can take a risk.

1. God knows “He” can

God isn’t calling you to do ministry according to your ability, but His. He knows His will and how to accomplish it. He is merely looking for a person who says, “I can do ALL thing in Christ who strengthens me!”

2. You are joining into His work

Ministry begins with God and ends with Him. When God calls you, you are invited to join in what He is already doing. You are assigned to take care of the process of His will to be done. You don’t have to figure out anything. He already has.

3. God won’t let you walk alone

God is your Heavenly Father. He knows how much you have to conquer fear and doubt. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just lead you, but He will give you comfort when you need it, just like the angel told Mary not to fear. Emmanuel, God is with you.

God is looking for Mary, who takes a risk to do His will every day. Are you ready to say, “Yes, Lord!”? If you didn’t, He has to find someone else. Don’t let that happen!

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