Daily devotion – wanted
“Men and women wanted for difficult task of helping to build My church. You will often be misunderstood, even by those working with you. You will face constant attack from an invisible enemy. You may not see the results of your labour and your full reward will not come till after all your work is completed. It may cost you your home, your ambitions even your life! “- Jesus Christ
Timothy was such a young man who responded to such a call from God almighty!
When explorer Sir Ernest Shacklton, advertised for men to go on his Arctic expedition with him,he put an advertisement in a London newspaper which said – “men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of bitter darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.”
Ephesus was not an easy place to pastor. It’s wickedness was known world-wide and yet here a young man called Timothy put his roots down, dug in, and preached the Gospel.
The Apostle Paul had laid a great foundation in Ephesus for Timothy. Paul had taught there for three years. But it is Paul’s words to young Timothy that I appreciate the most when Timothy took Paul’s place. Paul exhorted Timothy to teach sound doctrine – “Preach the Word!”
In today’s modern Church, it appears many times that everything but the preaching of the Word of God, occurs! You and I can take Paul’s words to our hearts as well. Too often people are trying to win people to Christ with everything but preaching the Word of God.
Let us remember the power of the Word of God, Paul tells us in Romans 1:16 ¶For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
When we step out in ministry, we answer the advert that promises tough times and difficult situations. However, we have been given power, the power of God’s Word.
When ministering be sure to use the Word of God and not just empty words. When giving counsel to your children, be sure to give them the blessed Scriptures that can be imbedded in their hearts to guide and strengthen them.
Are you able to answer the call that a young Timothy did when he stepped forward and volunteered?
God is looking for people like Timothy today.
I pray that your heart may be stirred by God at this moment in your life. That you sense and know, that even though the task you are invited to be part of will be difficult, the call of God is driving you to step forward like Isaiah did and say, “Lord send me!”