Here are a some thoughts that may relieve the pressure and put the whole “ministry” thing in perspective:
1. It is God in His mercy who gives us the “ministry.” It is nothing we can drum up:
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the “ministry” the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God‘s grace.” (Acts 20:24)
“Therefore, since through God‘s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.“ (or “give up“) (2 Corinthians 4:1)
So… be sure the “ministry” in which you are engaged is the same as the one God intends for you. It is all too easy to contrive a ministry born out of guilt, pride, obligation, or even opportunity.
2. The people to whom you are to minister are a gift from God: Even the men Jesus worked with were given to Him by His Heavenly Father:
“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” (John 17:6)
3. The chances are that if you are operating within your gifts ministry-wise, you will be doing something:
- You are good at
- You enjoy, and that
- God blesses.
So, relax, walk intimately with Christ and see what He chooses to do through you. As one believer put it:
“Well Lord, I wonder what you are planning today. Do you mind if I tag along and watch? Perhaps you‘ll even let me participate in a small part of it… ”
