Do you feel like you have to fill every open spot or get involved in every activity at your church? Last week as I was preparing to teach my women’s Sunday school class, God reminded me to stay focused in ministry.
As the number of disciples in the early church increased, there were widows being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The twelve apostles gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables” (Acts 6:2 NIV). Instead of taking their focus off the work Jesus had commissioned them to do, the apostles delegated the work of distributing food to seven wise, spirit-filled men who could handle the responsibility. The apostles then said, “We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4 NIV).
God used these passages to remind me to delegate in my role as Women’s Ministry Director and to be purposeful in my writing and speaking ministry. There have been a number of projects that I’ve considered working on in recent months, but God reminded me that I need to stay focused. Although a few of the projects I considered were worthwhile and exciting, He has commissioned me to encourage and equip women through the study of His Word.
Every believer in Christ is called to serve God in some form of ministry. Is there work you are neglecting because you are trying to fill too many different roles at your church or in your ministry? Prayerfully seek God about your service. Give your attention to the tasks God has gifted you to complete. Delegate other responsibilities to spirit-filled folks who are willing and able to serve.
The apostles stayed focused and delegated effectively. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7 NIV). Likewise, when we are faithful to seek God and serve as He directs, our Lord accomplishes His purposes in our lives and ministries.
-Mindy Ferguson
Copyright © 2010 Fruitful Word Ministries, Inc.
