By: The Rev. Craig Stephans
In any and every situation in the ministry of life, you can be assured that the “one who calls you is faithful.” He is present and active in the midst of it. Therefore, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks.” The Holy Spirit has the victory; he has the sovereign power and gives sovereign grace. There is no need or reason for us to “quench the Spirit” with our worry, anxiety or fear. As the Spirit is with us and in us, we can let the joy of the Lord be our strength; we can pray to him who hears and answers; we can give thanks to the one who is doing good. Everyone we encounter in our ministries has experienced oppression, is brokenhearted in some measure, and needs freedom, release, and a full outpouring of the Lord’s favor.
These are all included in the ministry inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit with whom we have been baptized by Jesus. For the person who is hurting most and the person who is most violent against life, we are anointed to bless, heal, deliver and proclaim the good news. The same Spirit that anointed Jesus and raised him from the dead dwells in you and gives you power to love and bless the person in front of you at any given moment. Through Christ, you are an “oak of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory.” Rejoice in the Lord with Mary, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” He is doing wonderful works today in, through and among those who are His.