I have often observed that when God calls someone into ministerial leadership, He has been preparing that person for the tasks ahead. God knows our future and is getting us ready, even before we realize it. I reflect on my own experiences and can see how God was preparing me for ministry.
Sometimes we see individuals go through very difficult situations, which later in life, give that person insight and empathy for others going through similar difficulties. Not that God caused the difficult situation, but He does use it for good, if we will learn from Him. An example, the pastor who has lost a loved one can better understand a family who has lost a loved one. The pastor has deep compassion to help minister to the grieving family. Or, the pastor who has experienced a serious illness is better equipped to give comfort to someone who is also going through a similar illness.
A biblical example of God preparing someone is found in the life experiences of David. When David is trying to convince King Saul to allow him to fight Goliath, he tells of his past experiences. And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37a). This convinced Saul.
Having killed a lion and a bear also would be a tremendous confidence booster. The Asiatic Lion lived in that region during that time. Today, it is found in only in India. They weigh up to 420 pounds. Also, The Syrian Brown Bear also lived in that region at that time. It is found today in Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. It weighs up to 550 pounds. That David had protected and rescued sheep by fighting with these animals shows tremendous courage. That he killed both shows his faith in God, and that God would see him through these difficult tasks. He knew from these experiences that he could always depend on God.
God knows tomorrow. He knows what we need to do the work that He has planned for us. God prepares us for our future. We can have faith in Him because He is always faithful.
Blessings
Scott Kinnick – CBC Executive Board member
