Acts 19:14 -16 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.(NKJ)
Have you ever tried to do something for the Lord that you were not called to do and failed? Perhaps you wanted to copy the way a person ministered or preached, and while doing so found yourself failing.
The seven sons of Sceva tried to operate, or copy the way Paul ministered. As we know the results were not favorable. They found themselves powerless to confront the evil spirits, and fled the house naked and wounded.
Many leaders fail because they do not recognize that God anoints people for specific spiritual offices, positions and callings. We are not to imitate the ministries and callings of others. God has a special purpose and plan for our life, and we are unique!
For many years I admired certain preachers and ministries. There is nothing wrong with looking up to certain ministries, but I wanted to be just like them. I wanted to preach like them, pray like them, and this got me nowhere fast.
I realized that God has something special and unique for me. I understood that I had to ask the Lord just what He wanted me to do, and not look at the outside, but within my own desires. It was then that I found my answer and distinct style for this ministry.
It is important to minister only in the position for which we are anointed by God, because if not, we will be ineffective and experience great difficulties.
Our goal is to increase His Kingdom, and with an army of exceptional ministries and capabilities, we can accomplish much for Him.
Are you unsure of where the Lord is leading you? Look within your own desires, and that is where you will find your answer.
May you be richly blessed this day.
AMEN!!!
Amen Yvette! This is so so important. Theres such freedom in this! I love being myself!
By personality I’m quiet, and I’ve had people ask me to be loud and overly enthusiastic. That’s not just me! I can only fulfill what Gods called me to do by being me or else He would have assigned TD Jakes in my place ;D
Paul told Timothy to “stir up the gift that is within” and when we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit we will truly find the desires of our hearts! God Bless You!
What a great lesson! And so timely
…the Lord has been laying on my heart this very thing. He wants me to be content where He has placed me in the time He has placed me. We need to learn to be content in all things…as Paul. Great post my sister.
Whether it’s in ministry or any other area of our lives, true success only comes from being true to who God created us to be. Thank God for being able to survive the experiences that teach us this.