Ministry

DEVOTION
GALATIONS
MINISTRY
Gal 2:6-9
7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. 8 For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.
NIV
I know it seems rather obvious that is it God who works in my ministry, but I have to ask myself if I, at times, think it is me. The reason I have to ask that of myself is because I see it in others as well. When people spent so much time in the field of gaining an education in ministry I wonder if they believe God is at work or they are. Have I spent too much time in educating myself in the word, in knowledge of his word? Have I endeavored to see it intellectually rather than see it with faith? The more I learn about the word, it may be easier to depend on my own knowledge, my own ability to understand than to simply allow God to work in my ministry. That sounds like it may be the case, but then I am reminded I do not know that much. I am not that smart, or have the capacity of an enormous memory with which to store all that knowledge. I read study and prepare a message, bring it to whoever I do, and a week later I have to read all about it again myself. I have to training in how to prepare sermons, or lessons, or anything else for that matter. I have not attended any classes on ministry of any sort. I do not have a method of proceeding on how to be the most effective in my area of ministry. So when I reflect on myself, which I have to do. When I take stock of my own self, I find I am nothing and God is everything. If it were not for his grace, his divine influence on my heart, I would be without any abilities to serve him in any area of ministry. I have such a limited knowledge of so much; I am absolutely amazed at how much he does through me. I am so thankful for what he does for me, in me and through me, especially for the work he does through me. To be used by him for him is an awesome experience. I only hope I can live up to the task, and I know with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will. But it is not I who live up, but Christ in me.