Are you Shackled? Voluntarily or NAH
According to definitions researched, to be Shackled means; to be restrain, restrict, limit, constrain, handicap, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct, inhibit, check, or curb.
Hummm... Are you feeling or actually SHACKLED within your ministry by yourself or others?
You may be asking, What you talking about? Who you talking to? Why is this relevant to me?
Well let me start with myself. Thirty-some years ago, as a young minister, I was led to believe that I needed or must have pre-recognition/validation of my “gifts” and “calling” by Superior Title Holders, so to speak. If not cleared, then was not authorized to function in the “gifts “or “Calling”. Many opportunities for ministry work and servitude to/for God’s people was delayed or thwarted. Most times it had to be explained to the hurting people seeking a “Word” from the Lord, “Prayer” and at times “teaching”, while “authorized” leaders were too busy or just did not want to be bothered! This was an open discussion among some ministers, of feeling held-back; conversation is however relevant even today.
Proverbs 18:16 reads as “A man’s’ gift makes room for him and bring him before great men.”
Are you finding yourself waiting for permission to use(operate) the “gift” God has given you?
Trusting the Authority of God’s led me to “rooms” of opportunity to work in the “vineyard” some of which were; housing projects, street ministry, nursing homes, crack houses, houses of ill-repute, and ecumenical services before it was “popular” to be so. Been there done that! All of which could not have been served by “waiting in the pulpit” for a chance. Oh, the testimonies I am hearing still today!
Are your shackles labeled as: titles, denominations, Leadership, ministries or groups; or family & friends?
Your gifts can only create or make room for you if it is being used! If it is not used(active), then the room(opportunity) of purpose is loss.
Waiting for validation to be used leaves the questions to linger and foster fear and doubt in self, and with others. How many ministry leader’s future would/will/have been changed or are dying in the pulpit and or pews? Voluntarily or Nah?
Principles of Authority
God “calls” and “chose” whom HE desires according to HIS purpose! He is the ultimate Authority!
Romans 8:30; Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
I Corinthians 12:11; All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Shackles of jealousy, low-self-esteem, and unauthorized lordship could work towards killing your purpose.
Whom God chooses, HE equips, provides, enable & qualifies!
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20; Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Acts 1:8; But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Fear of Peers authority?
How many have been discouraged by the tactics of the enemy of God?
Ephesian 6:12; For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
How many pulpits are overflowing with ministers posturing (seeking opportunity) for a seat, seeking to be asked to worship Lead, Pray, read Scripture….not to mention preach or teach. Or maybe just to be seen.
Do not allow fear of non-acceptance lead you to be disobedient to God; who has the Ultimate Authority over your life and ministry.
Accountable to God.
Romans 14:12; So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Take what God has given you and release yourself to Him!
Is the haunting prestige within the pulpit ministry robbing you of the fully realized purpose of your gifts? Un-Shackle while Waiting
As you labor remember: 2 Timothy 2:15; Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Seek Wisdom from God, and apply it at all cost!
Remember Moses, Shadrach, Meshack, and, Abed-Nego and others risked it all!
John 9:4; As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
The world is waiting, people crying in the wilderness seeking HOPE! There are many available avenues to reach the hurting. Use every method available to evangelize to this dying world. We must go out and sow seeds of the Gospel. By faith we know that God will give the increase according to His plan and purpose.
What are you waiting for? God already favored you! Are you shackled? Voluntarily or Nah?
