Church services that turn into a prophetic ministration are one of the most nerve racking moments for me. Will today be the day where I strike gold? Will I be called today? Do I stand the chance of hearing my name or description about my life? They sort of feel like entering a casino. You can go in to be one of the few who wins the ‘lucky number seven’, or the one who continuously whispers under their breath and shouts in their heart multiple times, ‘please pick me, pleaseee’. I have been the latter so many times .
Honestly, do some people just have ‘pick me’ on their spiritual foreheads?? God do I not have a forehead?! There are times I feel bad, for wanting to hoard the spiritual receptors when someone is fighting something more pressing (Ama, your family witches are trying to do what to your father now?!). I’m not the only one who feels disappointed when I am not called to the front… right? Well whether you have felt that way or not, I felt moved to write about this. I am briefly going to write my thoughts on this, but I’d really love to hear your thoughts on this one too. (In case it wasn’t already mentioned, I always want to hear your thoughts in the comments!)
Reasons For Wanting to be Called
I know there are a bunch of possibilities that make people want to be called out. I could be right or entirely wrong, but I believe we may fit into one of these categories.
Category One: Putting Self First
We have countlessly heard how humans are intrinsically selfish; our actions and motives are self driven. That is no different in such prophetic services. You want to be one of the special ones so that people can hear how deep your pockets will be and how wide your influence will spread.
Category Two: Doubting if God Hears You
You may be praying about a series of issues and it may feel like God isn’t saying anything about the situation. Therefore having a minister of God say something concerning it, in a ceremonial manner, would really make you feel better.
Category Three: Lacking the pPace of Fellowship
You’re not spending enough time with the Holy Spirit and so you’re not receiving enough intel. I think this is slightly tricky because it’s possible to fellowship and not necessarily have all your questions and concerns answered. But, in this case you’re not spending time to know if what I just described applies to you.
Category Four: You’re Worried
You’re generally worried about what your future holds and from this fear flows the desire to want to know; to want to gain a sense of control.
Reorient Your Mind
I remember in the first year that I started building a relationship with God, and I was in Ashesi, God told me He wouldn’t give me any prophecy. This was very hard for me to hear because I felt especially lost and worried about my future because I thought I messed up my destiny. And true to His word, He didn’t for 4 years. Isn’t God faithful in everything (laugh cry emoji)?!. However, in those years, He built up my ability to hear and discern for myself. Did I feel a way sometimes in these services? Absolutely. But do I appreciate the outcome? Absolutely(er)!
For me it pushed me to want to know God for myself; for me to draw close to Him and for me to understand His voice and be discerning (I still have a lot to learn but I sure am at a better place).
The Shepherd Feeds His Sheep
I think what makes the disappointment of not being called out problematic, is when we believe we have wasted time or not received anything. Far from it my friend! In the moments when I wasn’t called, I was deliberate to be alert about what the Lord was saying and doing for me.
In a service, it’s possible you’re meant to receive from God in an entirely different way. God works in diverse ways. He works when He wants and how He wants to. That’s why it’s important to take every aspect of the service seriously. In the same way the Father gives out gifts according to capacity, I believe He speaks to us according to our present need(s). He’s too faithful and good of a Father to leave His children hungry.
I want you to be rest assured that God sees you. He sees you as though you are the only human being on this planet. Not being called out is not an indication of His measure of attention on you, or His love for you. The measure of God’s depth and wisdom, and direction for your life cannot be restricted to a service.
I believe those who are called out have a specific window of opportunity that has to be met. So whether you are called out or not, know that God is too intentional and creative in the ways He provides for us. No one ever leaves God’s presence the same. You can rest in the assurance that your Heavenly Father will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. So if you’re not called out the next time, know that there is more to receive with Hands Lifted High.
I like the ending bit. Adding the name of the blog with it is a nice touch.
I’m glad that I’m not the only one who wants to be called to the front when the prophet is prophesying.😅😅 It’s true that sometimes it’s for selfish reasons and I’m learning to spend the time praying earnestly for the person being ministered rather than wishing it was me.
Hmmm this thing is real! I love the idea of praying for the person who has been called; it also helps you not focus on yourself. God bless you
Mm praying for the one being ministered to!
I can totally relate to this. At a point I realized that the more I was wishing to be called, I was loosing out on what He also had for me in the service. Sometimes we really think God ministers one way.
I know right, when you start focusing on being called you lose out on the other ways He could be ministering to you!
I can relate to this. At a point, I feel like I need confirmation for something I have prayed about. Then once I am not called I feel so disappointed. But what i fail to realise is that the confirmation is already there in his word.