7 Lessons I’ve Learned in Ministry
On October 25th, I celebrated Amomentwithmonica’s ministry's seventh anniversary. It still feels like yesterday that I was 21 years old, sitting in the middle of Dunkin with a Sister in Christ who helped me build this blog from scratch. I had nothing but a dream, a prophetic encouragement, and a credit card. Two years later, the blog turned into a ministry to equip, encourage, and empower God’s people. I published my first book, and the rest is history. While it’s been a rollercoaster of change, transition, and pivoting, I remain in awe that God continues to use me to build his kingdom and has connected me with a community that has assisted me in the process in every season. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing! In celebration, here are seven lessons I've learned in ministry.
Lesson One: Fill Your Cup, Then Pour.
When you pour from an empty cup, you rely on your strength. But when you pour from a place of overflow, it is coming from the spirit of God. “So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” Zechariah 4:6 (NIV).
Lesson Two: It’s Not Personal, It’s Spiritual.
The majority of the attacks and challenges you face are a spiritual battle, and the quicker you understand that, the better. This way, you are not fooled or distracted by the noise, and you don’t make people a target, but you target the demonic spirit. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV).
Lesson Three: Rest, Rest & Rest.
It’s imperative that you pull yourself away, not just to produce or create but to be poured back into, for fresh fire and to learn how to just be still in God’s presence. Remember, you are not a performer or a puppet; you are God’s child. The applause from people will come and go, but your worth in Christ is forever. “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” Mark 6:31 (NIV).
Lesson Four: Exercise Boundaries.
It’s okay to say, “No” and mean it. Whenever we do anything for the Lord, we want to ensure we do it with a joyful heart. If we feel backed into a corner, forced to give or serve, then it's more likely that it’s not coming from a pure place, which leads to resentment. Change is inevitable, and so priorities are bound to change. “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” Matthew 5:37, NIV).
Lesson Five: Participate in Counseling/Therapy/ Deliverance Sessions
We all go through seasons, and some seasons are far more challenging than others. As a result, we may pick up some habits, mindsets, patterns, and attitudes that are ungodly. Although it may not have been intentional, it is still our responsibility to address it properly. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV).
Lesson Six: You NEED Community.
I know that there are times when we face isolation due to shifts, life changes, or transitions. However, we must be part of a community where we can worship, pray, walk out our faith, and believe in God together. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV).
Lesson Seven: Be Ready To Pivot Whenever God Says So.
If there’s anything I’ve learned about God over the past five years, during which I have been in a season of transition, it is that he will require us to pivot. Recently, I have come to see how comfort can become a “quiet” sin that stifles us from stepping into a new level of dependency in Christ. So, let go and let God take the reins. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:19, NIV).
I look forward to many more years of ministry, whatever they may look like in God's eyes. Thank you always for your love and support!!
Be Encouraged,
Love Monica
