I remember reading a book by Dr Clifford Hill from the UK. God told him to write a book. But he was pastoring a fellowship, lecturing at a London university, engaged in several outreach works plus his own family commitments – and had no time to write this book. After about a year he fell ill and for six months was confined to bed. Here he was nursed by his wife and eventually, not being able to get out and about, wrote the book God had told him to write. It took a further year to get back to full health, but he had learnt a valuable lesson. If God speaks – cancel what has to be cancelled, and do what God says.
Another writer, Rick Joyner, shares how God spoke to him to return to fulltime ministry and how he felt inadequate and unable to do so. He delayed. Eventually two different people in a short space of time gave him the same message: “Return to fulltime ministry immediately, or God would give His commission to someone else.” Rick returned.
When God speaks we must make time for what He calls us to, do it promptly and do it knowing He will supply the strength and ability – even if we feel totally inadequate.
In my case I needed to hear from the Holy Spirit whether the call to co-ordinate and edit this “Faith Matters” Christian supplement was from Him or man. If it was from God, I would have to make time to do the work involved with gratitude, enthusiastically and to the best of my ability (Colossians 3:17, 23). I already hold a full time job but was involved in many other activities, which could be cancelled or reduced.
So on Friday I marked my diary with this request for confirmation. I was asking the Lord God for two clear confirmations (2 Corinthians 13:1). I did not tell God “how” to do it, but trusted Him to reveal in His way clearly.
The following day, the one person we lacked in the team (a photographer), volunteered his services. Richard Wakefield is a professional photographer who has won numerous prizes. He recently won yet another competition and this week is heading up to Kariba to enjoy his prize. I saw this as a confirmation.
On Sunday morning, while praying, the words Mordecai spoke to Esther came strongly to mind, “If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come to the people from another place…. Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” That was all I needed for confirmation number two.
Once God speaks and confirms it, I must give my wholehearted attention to His will, plan and purpose. May we all do likewise. – Should you wish to contact us please email editor.faithmatters@gmail.com Thank you.
Post published in: Faith