Written by: Nikoya
She walks to work on Monday’s, simply to clear her head for the work at hand. She knows that when she steps one foot into the office she will be debriefed on what happened over the weekend, the top priority tasks for the morning, meeting and conferences, and more work demands. She loves her work, but was still mentally occupied with the fellowship of the kingdom work from the weekend.
More and more her mind has been occupied with the things of God. She has received a sort of “revival” of His spirit, causing her to deeply thirst and hunger for more revelation. The desire to talk about her renewed relationship with God has taken over her desires. She can’t help to want to share the message of love or even pray with people. This desire is heightened when they mention their current struggles, physical ailments or depression. Her mind is constantly open to the receptivity and voice of God. She has learned who she is and realizes that she has been called to complete the work of the kingdom.
Her work continues to prosper in the marketplace, but she feels as if she spends so much time doing the work with lesser importance. She knows that the work of the Kingdom is everlasting, and her job in the marketplace only provides for the flesh. She has very little opportunity to minister to co-workers, and is strictly prohibited to mention her faith to clients. She feels that she wants more; that doing more for the Kingdom would be easier if she left the marketplace completely.
But is that really the case?
“The people who are well are in no need for a physician, but those who are ill are the ones in need.” – Jesus
Our lives can be a sign to those in the world. The Holy Spirit can emanate from our life of holiness and peace. When you have experienced God for real, your life will emanate His spirit.
People may say that there is, “something different about her.” When non-believers look at your life it can be a life changing example for them to where they say, “Wow! I want that peace!”
But for those of you who are on the verge of leaving the marketplace and entering into “ministry”, here are a few things to think about before you resign from the world.
1. “Full time ministry” can be everywhere.
You do not have to be a paid missionary, pastor or staff at a church to be executing the work of God, on a full time basis. God positions all of us to be in certain places at specific times. When your life is in the heart of His will, everywhere you go you will be an ambassador for Christ. For those in Christ the “clock” is always on. A simple change in perspective can change your overall approach to your work, purpose and mission.
You may be called to keep your position as a Child Protective Caseworker or a Nurse in order to pray and be a light for those you come in contact, whom would not have normally been ministered to. At least for a season. When you let this perspective really saturate your spirit, you may even be led to encourage people during your trips to the grocery store, gas station, airport, or more.
2. Obtaining experience in a trade or a occupation can be a sign of your potential in ministry
Noah was a “man of the garden” (a gardener). Moses was a shepherd of sheep. Jesus was a carpenter. He worked in this profession for years and didn’t embark in “full time” ministry until he was 30 years old. King David was tending his fathers sheep when he was called. The disciples were a combination of fishermen, accountants and tax collectors. Solomon was a judge even after he had been walking in his God appointed calling.
All of the lives and examples we have in the bible show that those who were chosen of God had an occupation or a trade in which they worked and had achieved success prior to the call.
“Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you (the things of God’s kingdom)? And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” – Luke 16:11-12
3. Will your gifts and talents be utilized and activated at full potential?
Do you have skills and specific learned abilities that may fall dormant by leaving the marketplace? For an example, a medical doctor can take their education and skill to a charitable organization and provide free medical care. A medical doctor can utilize the same skills they would in the marketplace overseas as a medical missionary as well.
Are your skills and talents in alignment with your desired transition into ministry? Or will you have to work in a totally different capacity, leaving some of your skills and talents at the secular door? This is a great problem to have if you struggle with finding a way to utilize all that you have learned in the marketplace for the work of the kingdom. With a little creativity, you may create a way to reach a group of individuals that are often not ministered to with your refreshing skills.
There is never any joy in wasted skill, talent or potential. Do not overlook what you have to bring to help establish the kingdom, but start looking at your ministry where you are right now.
4. Where can your take marketplace skills and use them for the work of the Kingdom? Where can one embark in full time ministry after leaving the marketplace?
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