Day 11

Sometimes I read ahead in the devotional section and sometimes I just open the book as I sit down to write. I have usually been mulling over a topic in my head for most of the day and then allow myself the time to pray about what to share. Tonight I just opened the book to the topic and I am so excited. You are going to hear my heart on this one because it is near and dear to me. With a ministry like WBS we need women willing to come alongside us to serve the women of WBS. Each year it is a s-t-r-u-g-g-l-e!! Since this is God's ministry I know He will bring together the workers, but it is up to the ones He calls to be obedient to that call. If she responds with a no because she is scared or nervous but God has told her through His Word that He will enable her to do all that He calls her to, and she says no, then the body suffers. She is missed and someone who wasn't to be in that role fills in the gap. Fortunately, God gives her strength and will enable her but it isn't what it could be. Does that make sense? For instance, I heard over the last couple of months that a kitchen coordinator was needed for one of our ministries. The director filled in that first session, and maybe the second session, because she couldn't find someone to fill the spot. A gal who home schools her 4 children, is a leader for another part of Women's Ministries, belongs to various committees in her town along with other responsibilities, said yes to being the kitchen coordinator. She said had she been asked last month she would have to say no because she was really busy. But this month is better. May the Lord bless the work of her hands!! The great part is, she WILL be blessed for her servant's heart. Here is my question, why is it that one woman does so many things to serve God and we cannot find another woman to do just one? This might be a blog that you stop reading but stay with me! I am not going to try and talk you into serving at church or in your community, you might have a great reason, that is fine! However, the Holy Spirit may just invite you to join God in a work that He has already started. Will you join Him?

Day 11
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray

How to Pray: For More Laborers

"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matthew 9:38). What a remarkable call of the Lord Jesus for help from His followers in filling the need for workers. Again, because of the strongholds of Satan in these lands, it is not an easy task to get young people to answer the call and to go out. It is truly through prayer that we can break through this barrier. Our text proves that God wants us to pray for laborers, and if He wants us to pray, He will hear us, and He will answer. Pray for the young people studying in the theological seminaries, the missionary training centers, and Bible institutes, that they may have the courage and determination to prepare themselves and equip themselves for this great effort-the evangelization of the world. Encourage the faithful in your churches to cooperate in the financial support of those who are willing to go. Raise up prayer warriors who will without fail support the youth who give themselves to the fields that are white unto harvest.

How to Pray: By Faith, Doubting Nothing

"'Have faith in God,' Jesus answered. 'I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him'" (Mark 11:22-23).
Have faith in God! Ask Him to make himself known to you as the faithful, mighty God, who works all things out for His glory. You will be encouraged to believe that He can provide suitable and sufficient laborers for all the fields that need them, however impossible this might appear-but remember, nothing is done without prayer and faith. Apply this wherever and whenever a good laborer is needed. The work is God's. He can give the appropriate worker for the appropriate field of service. But He must be asked. This is the method He has chosen. We must wait on Him and ask for laborers.

You Own Prayer Requests

~Ask for forgiveness if God has ever called you to serve but you said no because you were afraid.
~Ask God for another chance to serve Him. Ask Him to provide you an opportunity that isn't too scary to start with, something you enjoy. Then, start looking :)Talk to other people who are serving in their churches and cities, join them on an event or at a task.
~Tell God that you love Him and want to serve Him in any way He sees fit and even if it is scary that you will try something new.
~If you need laborers, PRAY!

One of my greatest joys is putting together our leadership team. We have nearly 60-70 leaders in various capacities that come together for WBS to open and function on a weekly basis. For the last several years we have trained anywhere from 15-25 new leaders in various roles. Most of that leadership is put together in March, April and throughout the summer months. We haven't had enough workers up until the very last moment, at least for the past 5 years that I have been involved. Please know, God is NEVER late. It might seem like the tardy bell (my due date) is ringing but if you really take note of the actual deadline he is never late. Oh, ladies, we are praying for laborers!! I try not to pace and mumble but I pray A LOT and I wait on the Lord. Well, I just got word today that a gal who was invited into leadership 2 years ago and needed to say no, has today said yes. Funny thing is, she is in a group right now where the leader is moving and the co-leader is the woman who invited her into leadership 2 years ago. Oh, I have the BEST job ever. The co-leader will take her under her wing, show her the ropes and invest into her all that God desires.

There is a saying that 20% of the people do 80% of the work, let's change that. Because of your love for Christ begin to pray and ask Him how you can serve Him for His glory! Be one that says Yes to God and watch what happens.