Sometimes God places a burden on our hearts for ministry, but we’re not sure how to take the first step. Many times, we’re waiting for a concrete message, such as someone asking us to fill a position or to help out in an area. However, there are times when He calls us to start a new ministry or to do something different. But how can we answer a call when we’re not sure what He’s asking for?
Maybe you’ve always been interested in women’s prison ministries, but there aren’t any in the area. Perhaps that’s your answer. “What?” you say. “You mean God would want me to start a ministry if there isn’t one?” Not always, but it could be. Maybe He wants to connect you with someone else who would like to start a prison ministry for women.
Take a Single Step
Answering our call begins with a willing heart.
For so many of us, we want God to lay out the entire plan like a set of blueprints where we see the entire path and end result. However, God seldom works that way, choosing instead to give us only the information we need for right now.
What God wants from us is our willingness to take that first step.
Perhaps it is a prayer, asking for God to use us. It may be that you should begin researching about women’s prison ministries to find out what it takes to start one or joining a Christian women’s group online who work in prison ministries.
The key is not to try to figure out God’s blueprint, but to take a single step in faith towards whatever God has laid on your heart.
Keep Moving
Once you know the general area where God is calling you (and you will know because He will put signs in your path), then you should move in that direction. Do whatever seems most natural to accomplish His goals in this area. For some, it will be joining a current ministry. For others, it may be starting a new ministry or finding a partner.
So often we hear the advice to sit and wait until you know what God would have you to do.
However, God often wants someone who is willing to act.
If you get up and start doing something, He’ll stop you and direct you along another path if you aren’t on the right track. What He wants most is someone willing to stand up and get in place for the next set of instructions.
Look at Biblical examples like Joseph who was sold into slavery and even thrown into prison. All so that someday he could be in a position to save his people. He kept moving forward even in the darkest of times, and he always stood ready to do God’s will. He served where God placed him even though he didn’t understand God’s plan.
The Bible tells us that the person God calls, He equips. It doesn’t say He will equip you first. Many times, it may seem like you don’t have the skills or the opportunities to do what God is asking. But if you will start on the path, He will open up the way in the right time.
