"Giving up our lives as ministers to help hurting people."

Every person who feels the call of God to minister has high hopes God will use them in a mighty way.

Usually at the beginning, there is such a zeal to reach the lost and help hurting people. That's what ministry is, right? However, once you answer the call and begin that walk of faith, you realize reaching the lost will cost you more than you are ready to pay.

I can remember when my husband and I answered the call to move across the country to start a church. We were a young couple, pioneers in the faith and filled with zeal to "set the captives free." 

It was quite the journey. It was exciting when we first started and seeing so many people coming to Christ was powerful. However, when the expenses started increasing and the demand to meet the needs of the people began to increase, it took a toll on us and the zeal began to wane.

Ministry wasn't what we expected. For most people who answer the call, it's not always what they expect. There are the challenges of raising money, casting vision and meeting people's needs. It never stops.

As ministers, we are the ones that are supposed to be filled with faith, know the Word of God from beginning to end and solve the problems. Burden can cause anyone in ministry to burn out, get discouraged or throw in the towel.

But God wants us to reach the lost.

"Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age'" (Matt. 28:18-20, MEV).

How do we obey God's command when we feel we carry the entire burden and it gets challenging? God never gives us more than we can handle. As ministers of the gospel, we should have faith and we should know His Word. But God is not expecting you to solve every problem and carry the burden alone. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:30, MEV).

There is great sacrifice as agent of the gospel—you give your life for others. It's an honor and a privilege to serve in ministry, and it's something we cannot take lightly. God has entrusted ministers with the lives of others. Think of the many martyrs that have died for the gospel—what a sacrifice of their lives.

God tell us in His Word to take up our cross daily and we have to understand that it is a fight of faith. Our faith as ministers of the gospel will always be tested. Trusting God for the finances to carry out the vision. Trusting Him when the needs of the people are great and you have your own needs. 

Being a minister of the gospel is a great honor and learning how to persevere is the key to a successful ministry, "knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience" (James 1:3, MEV).

Reaching out to the lost and ministering to people is a great calling, the Lord wants you to enjoy the ministry. God will provide; He will give you strength, and He will never leave you. Trust in Him and don't give up. There are many souls waiting on the other side of your obedience.

Along with her husband, Pastor Luis Reyes, Tricia Reyes is the co-founder of The New Church Of Joy in Waukegan, Illinois. She is a blogger, author and helps manage her daughter Madison's (Maddie Rey) Music Ministry. She is a devoted wife and mother to Madison and Matthew and loves the Lord with all her heart! To learn more about Tricia's ministry or to book her for a Women's Event/Conference visit her website at triciareyes.com or thenewchurchofjoy.com.

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