Trial or Ministry Opportunity?

Look around at your life and your current situation. No matter how wonderful or grim it may seem at this moment, God can use all of it for His glory. What may feel like a huge problem can potentially be a remarkable ministry opportunity. When things just don’t seem to jell and where He has us doesn’t feel like a good fit, we begin to question whether or not we missed it and went down a road we were not intended to follow. At many different points I had felt that way when we first moved to Florida. Everything we expected to happen, all our plans were turned upside down and that led us in an unexpected direction. It didn’t feel comfortable and at times it was miserable, yet... in the midst of what felt like rejection and chaos the opportunities to speak into people’s lives in incredibly unique ways was manifested. As we were forced out of our comfort zone and what we deemed to be “normal” God revealed His will for that season and it was nowhere near what we imagined it to be. Evidently that’s God’s m.o. Let’s think about it for a moment... Paul and Silas were used to minister in prison... probably not what they had planned... Joseph... you guessed it, prison... Peter... yup... prison. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego all ministered from captivity.
Do you ever feel that way at times? Captive to a job you don’t care for, a situation that’s out of your control or even a health problem that you’ve been believing to be healed of, but while you’re waiting you’re wondering why?? God sees a much bigger picture than our limited view and understanding will reveal. He sees the souls on the path to our victory that need direction to His presence, mercy and love. It’s sad, but its so easy to miss if our focus remains on our own comfort and desires. In order for the prisoners and guards to learn about Jesus, He had to send a faith-filled man to shine the light in the darkest pit. What may have felt like a punishment to Paul and the others was actually a privilege as they were entrusted to fulfill God’s plan on the earth.
Look past how your current situation feels or looks and begin to ask Jesus what lessons you can learn during this season and who He’s led you there to minister to. He’s brought me across the country to minister to very specific souls. No matter how it feels, serving God on any level and at any place is the greatest blessing of all! Go with His flow and trust Him right where you are. He really does have a plan and your obedience is key to its fulfillment in your life. Don’t allow circumstances to control your emotions. Forget about your preconceived ideas and simply trust and draw your peace and strength from His Word and presence. Then do what he calls you to do! You will then find fulfillment even in what seems like a difficult place to be.
Genesis 5:20 (NLT) You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.
James 1:2-4 (TPT) My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
Ephesians 5:15-21 (NLT) So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah 1:5-10 (NLT) “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
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