A Necessary Step of Faith

When stepping into a new ministry role, it’s common to feel a bit unsure. We are often compelled by God’s love to obey His calling into ministry and step out in faith. But what happens when our faith walk hits a pothole of doubt in the road. Where do we turn? There’s nothing wrong with seeking assurance and confirmation when considering a new role if it comes from the right place and with a pure motive. When deciding to serve overseas, be careful not to poll the audience, as the results can often be misleading.

In studying the Christmas story recently, I was reminded of the overwhelming ministry Joseph and Mary were given. They were tasked with parenting the Messiah. I found it incredibly revealing to look at how the Father called them into ministry and just as incredible to see how they responded.

Both Mary and Joseph were alone when an angel revealed God’s plan to them. It seems it would have been much easier for them had the angel spoken to them together. But God prefers to deal with each of us as individuals. In addition, God called both Joseph and Mary by their names, just as He calls each of us by name. And by inviting each of them individually, they were each given the choice to respond individually.

If there was ever a time to feel unsure about a new ministry role, the immaculate conception would have to be near the top of the list. The newly engaged young couple was surrounded by ridicule and mocking because of Mary’s pre-marriage pregnancy. But after listening to the angel, “Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” Likewise, when the angel Gabriel visited Mary and shared the astonishing news of her virgin birth she responded, “May it be done to me according to your word.” What incredible acts of faith! They checked with no one. They simply said yes to what God was calling them to do.

Two thousand years later we seem to need a lot more reassurance. Too often there is a hesitation to simply obey God, followed by a tendency to be affirmed by man. Rather than stepping out in faith, we poll the audience around us. Rather than just doing what the Lord commands, we stop walking by faith and question the command. There’s nothing wrong with seeking wise counsel but be careful not to allow your path of obedience to be determined by others. God is looking for followers who are available, and if we’re available, we shouldn’t be surprised when He calls on us to step into the harvest.

The call to serve cross-culturally is not a very popular one these days. The voice of opposition from the world around us, even within the church, is almost deafening. “It’s too dangerous overseas. You shouldn’t do that to your children. You shouldn’t ask people for money. Those people over there don’t want you there, etc.”  Polling the audience can sometimes be discouraging. Instead, think about what the shepherds said and did after a host of angels proclaimed in great detail the birth of Jesus. “Let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” They determined to go to Bethlehem, and it appears they left immediately! Wow, what a step of faith!

I wonder if these shepherds ever returned to their jobs. Perhaps they were the first missionaries who, after seeing the baby Jesus, went out and proclaimed the Good News. The Bible says, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” Even more awesome was the result of their faith journey. After seeing the baby Messiah, “the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen.” Likewise, our steps of faith glorify God and offer Him the ultimate worship. Faithfulness to the Lord’s calling is the true worship He seeks. He desires for us to “offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. This is our true and proper worship.”