Yes, You Can Ministry

Why me?

II Corinthians 11:30, “If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.”

The Apostle Paul knew about suffering for Jesus. In the verses prior he had described some of the hardships that he had been through for the gospel.  He had been beaten, stoned (and left for dead), shipwrecked; and he was in constant fear for his life. On top of all that he had the worry for all the churches that he had started always on his mind. The Apostle Paul knew what it meant to take up your cross, but he also knew that whatever trials or hardships he went through that God would always protect him. He said in Philippians 3:8 everything that he had and everything that he lost meant nothing to him. There was only one thing that mattered, and that was/is the knowledge that Christ is Lord, and that through Him we can live, TRULY LIVE.

I can understand what Paul is saying because I too have been found worthy to suffer for Christ. I don’t mean to blow my own horn, but I invite you to read my testimony. Mission opportunities can be difficult under ideal circumstances, and when you bring my wheelchair into the picture that only adds to the difficulty. But, just like Paul said the knowledge of Jesus, and the belief that you are doing God’s will makes the thought of hardships vanish.

Genesis 51:20, “And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people.”

Joseph was dumped in a well by his brothers, and then sold into slavery. He eventually worked his way up the ladder in Potiphar’s household, but then because Potiphar’s wife lied about Joseph attacking her he was thrown into prison. (I know it sounds kind of like a “Days of Our Lives” script.) While Joseph was in prison in Egypt the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and chief baker were also thrown into prison, and Joseph interprets a dream for the chief cupbearer. The cupbearer is released from prison, and he remembers Joseph when the Pharaoh has a disturbing dream, and Pharaoh calls for Joseph to interpret his dream. Joseph interprets the dream, and is released to be on Pharaoh’s staff.

Again, Joseph works his way up the ladder, and the Bible says that there was no one in Egypt who had more authority than Joseph other than Pharaoh. God had taken Joseph through all of his suffering to a place where now he was basically Secretary of State over the country of Egypt. Into this picture step his brothers, who had sold him. There was a famine in Egypt, and his brother’s came to Joseph to beg for assistance. After the Pharaoh discovered that Joseph was an Israelite he provided for the people during the famine. Obviously, Joseph was not a perfect Jew because Pharaoh had no idea which reminds me of the story of Esther. It doesn’t matter all the time how well you look before others, while that’s important, the main issue is how you are going to perform before God. Are you going to choose His path even though it may not be the easy one, or are you going to take the path of least resistance?

 Because Joseph went through the hardships of slavery and imprisonment he was in a position to save not only those that he cared about, but also those that God cares about. Sometimes God will put us in situations that are uncomfortable, so that we can gain the strength and the insight we need to help in other times.

If you are in a situation that you feel uncomfortable about, or are confused about then ask the Lord; and He will give you direction. The situation may still be uneasy, and all of the solution may not be clear; but God will guide you as you follow Him.

James 1:5, “But if any of you lacks of wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously, and without reproach; and it will be given to him.”

I’m not trying to say that the suffering will go away, or that we will understand it totally, but we will be covered by the “peace of God.”(Philippians 4:7)

Father, I thank You that I was found worthy to suffer for You, and I know that I may never fully understand my suffering; but I ask that You would give me strength so I can suffer for you with grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen

The image above can be found at:

http://www.freechristimages.org/biblestories/josephs_dreams.htm