(1 Cor. 15:10)
Two more keys for developing longevity in your life as an armorbearer are to trust in God’s grace on your life and always obey His original instructions. You have a grace on your life to do what God has called you to do, although you may not understand or realize it now. When I first went to work at Agape Church and sat down with my pastor, he asked me what my talents were. I was embarrassed because as far as I knew, I had little talent.
I said, “The only thing I can tell you is that I will be faithful, dependable, and never late.”
He said, “That is what I am looking for.”
At that point, I began to see the grace of God at work. When He takes your life, anoints you, and makes you into something you never thought you could be, that is His grace in operation.
When I wrote God’s Armorbearer, I was concerned that no one would read it. I wondered why God had even asked me to write it, because I do not claim to be a writer. That was in 1990, and to date, over 750 thousand of God’s Armorbearer Books 1 & 2 have been sold worldwide in twelve languages.
You also have talents in your life that will come forth as you trust God’s grace in the small things. We are what we are by His grace. If you always obey His original instructions, you will see things begin to work.
Many times, because of an over-zealousness to do great things for God, some start getting off the course He has set for them. The problem occurs when they wake up one day and find out it was not God’s dream, but their own, usually resulting in a lot of wasted time and money. If this is the case with you, you must go back to what God spoke to your heart in the beginning. That is where you will find the peace of God and His prosperity.
Many believers say, “I feel led to do this” and “I feel led to do that.” They move from one thing to another always “feeling led,” but never by the Holy Spirit. If the Lord has told you to join a church and commit yourself there, then do exactly what He said. From there, God will direct you one step at a time and you will not miss Him. The key is to learn to walk in the Spirit and stay on course with what God originally told you to do.
- What grace is on your life?
- When I first went to work for my pastor, I wasn’t yet aware of my talents, but I committed to be faithful, dependable, and never late. Even if you are just starting off and are unaware of the grace that God has placed on your life, what kind of commitment are you willing to make?
- What did God originally tell you to do? Have you been doing that, or have you gotten off track?
- Meditate on Romans 1:5-6 and Romans 12:6-8 and how they apply to you.
Heavenly Father, You are the giver of all good gifts, and I thank You for endowing me with the grace, gifts, and talents I need to accomplish Your will in my life. I thank You that as I am faithful and committed to the plan You have given me, these endowments will become more and more apparent and bless many. Because I am Your child, I am led by the Holy Spirit. I will stay on the path You’ve revealed to me and not get off course. 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.