If you have served Christ for any length of time you have probably experienced the inward voice of the Holy Spirit asking you to do some type of service for Christ. Perhaps it was a leading to share your faith, to give an offering you weren’t planning to give, to serve in a ministry, or even call someone to encourage them. Although we are not saved by our works, once we receive Christ it is a natural progression for a believer to have some type of works and service for their Master.
And when we hear that inward calling to service our human emotions immediately kick in. Sometimes fear grips our heart.
- “I can’t afford to give that offering.”
- “What if they reject me because they don’t want to receive the Gospel?”
- “I’m not qualified to serve”
Other times we experience discomfort. Serving in a local church will cause us to push the boundaries of our comfort zones.
- “You want me to teach children? Are you crazy? I would rather be in the main service.”
- “You want me to pray for someone? I don’t know how to pray. It’s embarrassing.”
When I travel for world missions I can assure you the emotional spectrum is very wide. Sometimes selfishness kicks in. I’m so busy at our home church and with my family—I focus on the time sacrifice. I ask myself, “do I really have to do this? Can’t God just send someone else?” And then there’s the plane ride. I am 6’7” tall and am built very wide. I just don’t fit in an airplane well. And as we are herded like cattle into the plan for anywhere between 24-48 hours of straight travel I experience many levels of discomfort. And it hits me, “God why me? Why did you make me so big and then call me to world missions?” And then there are delays, bag issues, grumpy flight attendants, lousy food, and a whole lot of other physical discomforts that play with my emotions.
Usually when God calls us He calls us to be part of a team. He doesn’t call us to be Lone Ranger Christians. So now there are additional emotions that can be experienced from having to work with others. A team mate forgot something so now that is extra work for you. Or maybe someone in their immaturity in Christ took credit for something you did. That can be really hurtful.
But here is what I have learned in 30 years of ministry. Our flesh will almost always resist the callings and leadings of the Holy Spirit. Any time we step out in faith we will have to overcome fear, discomfort, and selfishness. And working with others will give lots of opportunities for envy, hurt, and misunderstanding.
But this I know—it will be worth it. As I have hung in there and pastored for decades I have got to see the fruit. And let me tell you. The emotion of seeing the fruit is so much better than the emotion of the initial challenges. The joy that floods my soul, the happiness, the feeling of accomplishment—these are wonderful feelings and they by far outlast the negatives. To see a marriage get fixed. A childless couple receive the miracle for supernatural conception. To see a sinner get saved or a drug addict get clean. To see people discover their purpose. To see people live for Christ for DECADES and build victory-filled lives—it so outweighs the cost of the initial negative emotions of our flesh when the Lord led us to do something 30 years ago.
And then there is the emotion of coming home from a crusade overseas. During the week I worked hard and long. Didn’t get much sleep. Endured terrible weather and difficult travels. But when I’m on that plane on the way home I can tell you there is a euphoria of gratitude and awe. To see tens of thousands come to Christ in a short period of time and to see lives change right before your eyes—there is no way to fully describe the joy. To see a mother crying in joy because her handicapped child walked for the first time or because her mute daughter spoke for the first time.
So when God calls you to do anything for Him more than likely you will receive a range of negative emotions as your flesh wants to fight you. But if you step out in faith and stick with that leading of the Spirit—you will get to experience the other side of the spectrum. The joy and happiness of a job well done in Christ. The joy of lives that get changed. The joy of knowing that Christ trusted you, equipped you, and used you.
Be encouraged today—when the Lord is leading you to step out in faith—DO IT! The positive euphoria of a job well done will by far outweigh the initial emotions of resistance.
Pastor Matt Nichols
