Loading... FAITH SOMETIMES REQUIRES THAT YOU STOP IN ORDER TO EQUIP YOURSELF TO DO EVEN MORE FOR GOD - Acts 11:24
Wednesday, November 30th, 2005Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
A report had been received in Jerusalem that there were believers in Antioch. The believers in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to exhort the brethren. Barnabas’ purpose was to encourage the believers to cleave unto God. Barnabas’ exhortation resulted in not only his fulfilling his ministry but also the adding to the kingdom. Barnabas saw what God was doing and he left the place to go find Saul and he returned with Saul to Antioch. The two of them worked for a whole year teaching the people.
Barnabas had been called to help the believers in Antioch but when he realized that the task was too great, he left his calling to obtain help. God used Barnabas’ action of seeking a helper with his ministry to create in Saul a new purpose for his life. Because of Barnabas’ faith, not only were many added to the kingdom, not only did Saul begin a new ministry, but also the name Christian was first coined in Antioch.
Put yourself in Barnabas’ shoes. Here you have been sent out to minister. You are successful. Would you have the faith of Barnabas and see that even though you are successful, you are not totally equipped to do the work that God has called you to do? Would you be willing to leave your calling in order to fully equip yourself? That is what Barnabas did. Barnabas left the work that God had called him to in order to bring Saul into the ministry. Barnabas understood that it was better to temporarily leave his calling rather then pursue his mission without help and thus limit his ability to serve God.
A landscaper is working on a yard. He comes across a huge stump that he cannot handle on his own. The landscaper could attempt to continue working on all the rest of the lawn, but the stump will not go away. The landscaper could attempt to remove the stump on his own, but he probably will hurt his back. Thus the wisest move for the landscaper would be to leave the project and go find help and finish the project later.
What is your calling in life? By faith you will pursue the calling God has laid upon your heart. As you pursue God’s calling for your life, you will draw closer to God and you will see those areas that you lack the ability to properly fulfill the ministry God has given you. Sometimes it might be necessary to be like Barnabas and stop the good work you are doing for God in order to obtain something that you do not have that could eventually hinder your ministry.
By faith you will seek to fulfill God’s purpose in your life. By faith you will seek the proper tools to enable you to finish that which God has called you to do. As you seek to fulfill God’s purpose, be willing to stop what you are doing in order to properly equip yourself to finish what God has started. It takes great trust in God to understand when God desires to perform a miracle absent your abilities and when God desires to expand your ministry by the help of others. This faith is a result of a close walk with God. You must be listening to God and hear HIS still small voice. As you hear HIS voice, be willing to obey, even if it seems like you are moving away from your calling. Remember, this it is only for a season, and God is looking to fulfill HIS purpose for your life through your faith and obedience to HIM.