These past 7 years have been one incredible journey; what an adventure has it been! One thing I am sure without a shadow of a doubt is that I have watched myself grow and change over time. Here are a few things I have learnt along in this journey.
1. Stay humble
In ministry, as you grow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you are constantly given opportunities to receive the glory for yourself. For example, when apostle Paul was in the Island of Malta, the onlookers first called him a murderer and the next minute they said he was a god. Having an understanding that we are mere vessels and the glory only belongs to Him and that our lives should point others to Him constantly is the key to staying humble.
The Bible says “Therefore let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.” - 1 Corinthians 10:12. Pride always comes before a fall.
2. Spend time with God
When we are in ministry it is so easy to spend time with God just because you’re going to minister. But our relationship with God shouldn’t be a business-based but relationship based. When we think of God as our Father, we would want to spend time with Him to know his heart; first for ourselves and then for the people He gives us.
Jesus constantly went away to pray. E.g. in Mark 1:35 it says "He spent alone time with the Father." I have seen a significant difference in how I minister when I spend time with Him verses when I don’t.
3. For every vision there is provision
God always provides. I have travelled on one-way tickets having faith that the LORD who asked me to go is faithful to bring me back. I remember moving into an empty house in faith knowing that GOD is faithful to provide for that house. I have moved to cities by faith and I can testify He truly is JEHOVAH JIREH!
If God has given you a vision, trust that He has the provision already!
4. Don’t find your identity in anything but Christ
It’s easy to find our identity in the ministry that we do and in people. But know that our true identity is found in Christ alone. I am first a son/daughter before I am an evangelist, pastor or a missionary. Don’t serve God to be accepted but serve GOD knowing you are loved and accepted.
The biggest platform is the Father’s lap. Your ministry or the people you serve may de-platform you but you have a Father who never will.
5. Fruitfulness
Those who are connected to the vine (Christ) will bear much fruit. That is the promise that God has given us in John 15. Heaven will reflect the evidence of the fruit we bear. Because sometimes we won’t really have anything to show the fruit of what we did. But don’t be discouraged; perhaps, the person you are reaching out to, will be the next Peter, who will preach one message and see 3,000 people saved and baptized.
6. Pause.
For the longest of times, I had and sometimes still struggle with taking breaks but I have learnt that being burnt out is not a fruitful place to be. Ministry can get really busy sometimes and yes Jesus was really busy but he constantly withdrew from the crowds to be by himself and it is very important for us to do the same. I am a firm believer that when we choose to be still we can hear God so much more and when we are well rested we are able to pour into other much better.
7. Honour
There is huge difference between worshipping someone and honouring someone. In Philippians 2:3-4 it says “Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others”. I believe when we honour people, especially servants of God, we position ourselves to receive from what God has placed on their lives.
Honour is the culture of heaven.
About the Author:
Zion Sharma is a daughter of missionary doctors who served in South East Asia and Africa. Her earliest memory is that of travelling as a missionary family. She took up the mandate of the great commission at an early age and is currently serving in India. She is passionate about reaching the unreached and seeing sons and daughters walking in their identity in Christ.
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