(Eccl. 3:11)
Years ago I was in Austria and was talking with a national pastor who shared something that blessed me greatly.
In 1987, when I was in that country, I was scheduled to lead a Bible conference. I struggled within myself as to what to teach. I rose up early the day before the conference and said to the Lord, “Father, what do You want me to teach?” I had not consulted with Him about His direction.
The Lord said, Preach on the pattern of the New Testament Church.
I began reading through the book of Acts to discover what that pattern was. The theme of all the messages I received was this: if Austria is going to be won to God, it must be done through the local church.
I realized then that God was saying, Today is the day of the local church in Austria. I believe that is true of the whole world.
This Austrian pastor shared with me how as a result of that one conference, four local churches had been started in four different areas. I was so blessed and moved in my heart that God had used me to affect a nation. It had happened because I was obedient and taught what He wanted taught.
In 1989, we opened the first Full-Gospel Bible school in the history of that European nation. I have found God to be so faithful to us as we determine to walk in our anointing, stay in submission to His divine authority, and fulfill our God-ordained assignment. It takes an understanding of all these areas in order to be an armorbearer.
Let’s take a look at the three principles just mentioned:
- Walk in your anointing. Do you know what that is? What about you just seems to flow, almost effortlessly? It shouldn’t be something you have to work up. It’s a gift that God has given you.
- Stay in submission to His divine authority. Do you know what God wants you to be doing right now? If not, are you willing to repent and get back in the game? Are you willing to stay in the place God has you until He releases you to do something else?
- Fulfill your God-ordained assignment. Sooner or later, if you will remain faithful and submit to God’s leading, you will fulfill your God-ordained assignment. It will be a day of great rejoicing and many will be blessed.
Heavenly Father, the very fact that the Holy Spirit lives in me is testament to the fact that Your anointing is in me. Help me recognize the gifts You’ve put in me, and teach me how to flow in them to bless others. I am committed to stay when You say stay and go when You say go. You are truly the Lord of my life and all that I do. Finally, I trust You to move me into position at just the right time so that I may fulfill the assignment You’ve ordained for me from the beginning. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.