Ready, Set, Go! “Equipped To Serve”

Have you ever been to a track meet? On April 3, 2010, I attended a track meet at the University of Texas in Arlington.  This was not any track meet, but it was by invitation only and was held for those high school kids who had qualified from their respective states.  These young people were the best competitors in their respective events and were state champions.  Because of their accomplishments they had been selected and invited to participate on the next level of competition against others from all over the United States.  You see, those who won at this particular meet were given the opportunity to compete in Singapore.

Have you ever been to a track meet? On April 3, 2010, I attended a track meet at the University of Texas in Arlington.  This was not any track meet, but it was by invitation only and was held for those high school kids who had qualified from their respective states.  These young people were the best competitors in their respective events and were state champions.  Because of their accomplishments they had been selected and invited to participate on the next level of competition against others from all over the United States.  You see, those who won at this particular meet were given the opportunity to compete in Singapore.

My second cousin, Shannon, was one of those kids.  She had trained for many months and had participated in numerous track meets in the state of Kansas in order to get to this level.  She was equipped to compete and therefore, she was confident with her skills and her abilities.  She was ready because of the countless hours she had spent training, she was set because of her accomplishment, and now it was time to go and win.

When we serve in ministry are we confident in the skills and abilities the Lord has given us?  Are we ready to let God use our gifts…are we set to share His truth through our gifts and go where He has called us to serve using those gifts.

We exist for God.  He desires to use us to serve Him through the unique abilities and skills He has given us.  (1 Corinthians 12:1-10)  He has equipped us for service and will not let us fail if we rely on Him through the Holy Spirit to accomplish what He has set before us for His eternal purpose.  When we recognize that God is the one who provides our skills and abilities, then we can have the confidence that we will not fail in our endeavors.  

God has equipped each one of us with skills and abilities to serve Him in different areas of ministry.  Children's ministry is one of those areas.  Do we desire to allow God to work through us to influence a young life for Christ?  We are His army, His workmanship, and His children. (Ephesians 2:10)  He will use us to influence the lives of children.  When we serve with the attitude to glorify God and allow Him to use us in ministry through our gifts, He will provide opportunities and thus bring glory to His name.

Are you ready?  Pray and meditate on God's Word.  Ask God to give you a teachable spirit as you seek His wisdom and His direction in ministry.  If you do not know your spiritual gifts, take a spiritual gifts test to help understand where in ministry you will be most effective. God has given each person a unique blend of spiritual gifts to accomplish His eternal purpose.

Are you set?  Seek opportunities in ministry where your spiritual gifts can be applied. Serve in those areas of ministry so that you can maximize your effectiveness.  God will honor your diligence and your obedience to serve where you are most gifted and where you will bring Him the most glory.

Is it time to go?  Step out in faith and allow God to use your gifts to His benefit and run the race with HIm.

We are not called to be the best or the greatest among men, but to be the best in our service to God, who is our most prized possession.  You can make a difference in the life of a child.  Ready, Set, Go!  You are equipped to serve!