Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Text: Ephesians 6:19-20
THE MANY PROBLEMS THAT ARE ENCOUNTERED IN THE MINISTRY
Many problems surface in the ministry. Some of them can be quite daunting. Let us look at some of the problems that can and do crop up in ministry.
1. Recalling the Warning of the Lord Jesus
Right at the beginning, Jesus warned about the kind of opposition the disciples must expect in ministry.
But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils
and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought
before governors and kings for My sake…
MATTHEW 10:17-18
2. Recalling extreme conditions in ministry
Paul wrote from a wealth of experience. In his letter to the Corinthian Church, he noted the troubles he encountered when he ministered in Asia Minor.
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren,
of our trouble which came to us in Asia:
that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength,
so that we even despaired of life. Yes, we had the sentence
of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves
but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great
a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still
deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks
may be given by many persons on our behalf…
2 CORINTHIANS 1:8-11
HOW PRAYER HELPS
Prayer and supplication, when practised consciously and diligently result in great blessings. Let us be assured of this truth and let us be challenged to keep praying without ceasing.
1. Praying for the ability to speak (“utterance”)
How comforting is this precious promise from the Lord Jesus.
For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father
who speaks in you.
MATTHEW 10:19-20
2. Praying for courage to speak boldly
Fear can hinder many from speaking boldly for the Lord. Thank God for the brilliant example of Paul, who though shackled in chains, continued to preach boldly the mystery of the Gospel.