08/10/2014 - CREDENTIALS OF A MINISTRY

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Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 2 Corinthians 12.12

Every mission the Lord gives us is important to his kingdom and with it comes the power for us to work miracles, signs and wonders everywhere we are sent. It is sad to know that a large portion of the Teacher’s disciples believes that only a few privileged people have power to do the same works that Jesus did. But the truth is that all those who are saved are authorized by him to imitate him in all things.

Jesus did nothing of himself (John 8.28). Today the Lord, who does not change (Malachi 3.6), will never fail to fulfill his promises. In this world, everything changes, except our God. When Christians believe in the Word’s revelations, they are used in the same manner as God’s servants were used in biblical times. Without a doubt we would provoke a huge change in the world if we did God’s work as the Scriptures command us.

Be careful, because if you cannot accomplish that which God has commanded you to do, his power will not move into action. When a believer understands his mission and, with faith, he ordains, in the name of Jesus, that a mountain moves out of his way, that an illness go away, that a pain disappears, or that a problem is solved, God’s power moves into action to fulfill his ordaining. Those who believe will see the glory of God (John 11.40).

No farmer expects to go to the field and find fruit the day after he sowed the seeds. He knows a time is necessary for the seed to grow and bring forth fruit. Unless by God’s intervention, we should never expect any fruit to be produced before all stages are completed. The same is true for God’s seed. We must plant it, and even though we are looking forward to seeing it grow and bring forth fruit, we must allow time and be patient. Only then we will see the fruit.

The right thing to do is to follow the instructions given by the Lord through his Word. And when it is time for the fruit to appear, they will come. The law of sowing and reaping has its origins in our God. He guaranteed that, while the earth remains, this law will not cease to exist (Genesis 8.22). And it is true for the physical and the spiritual worlds alike. However, the most important ingredient is patience, as Paul instructed us. If this virtue did not abide in him, his ministry would not have yielded any fruit.

Let the Holy Spirit confirm his calling through the signs that must always follow the preaching of the gospel. Any advice you give anyone and any prayer you do for a person who is in need will be confirmed by an action of the Lord God. He has declared that he confirms the word of his servant (Isaiah 44.26a).

You are special for the Lord. He has something for you to do—something that no one else can do. Through his Word, God gives you the ability to act in the same manner as Jesus did. The mission he has entrusted you with is unique; therefore, do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by tiredness, laziness, nor be fooled by the enemy. You can and must represent your Father with all dignity.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares