Equipping The Called

By April Sliwak
Do you remember the day you were given a vision by God to serve Him or when God graciously called you into ministry? Think about it. Was the vision clear? Did you hear God’s calling vividly or did it take a while for it to become fully known? What was your first reaction? Were you rebellious, anxious, thrilled, or ready? I’m pretty sure you’ve probably heard this before, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called”. Well, this may be true however I’d like to take it a step further and agree with the scripture that says, “God’s power will be made perfect in my weakness”, (2 Corinthians 2:9).
It was 13 years ago when I was called into ministry and I’ll never forget how I felt. Timid. With my arms crossed over my chest I told God to find someone else. I was nervous and cared about what others thought of me. He was asking me to step out amongst my peers and that made me feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. I worked myself up into a tizzy about speaking and leading by listing all the reasons why I couldn’t do it. I felt weak and alone even though God gave me a vision and He called me to do it.
"So guard yourselves and God's people..." Acts 20:28 NLT

That was a long time ago and I’ve learned a lot since then. What I would tell my younger self now is, “Honey, you need a Mentor and a community of women to be praying and encouraging you”. Through the Body of Christ, a community of other Believers, God gives us one another to love, pray, encourage, care, and support each other. This kind of community, which the Lord specifically designed to fulfill this need; guards me, my heart, my mind, my calling. I protect myself by reaching out to the Body of Christ to stand in the gap for me as I’m called into leading God’s people.
How about you? Where are you in ministry? Just starting out? Or have you been serving for years? What struggles do you have or what encouragement would you share to a younger you?
I’d love to know.
I hope you’ll join us at the Women’s Ministry Leadership Gathering on November 4th when we’ll be in community, lifting one another up and equipping ourselves to serve. RSVP today:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-ministry-leadership-gathering-tickets-37973026344
We feel called to provide opportunities to raise up younger leaders to serve. This couldn’t be more important. So, we want to encourage you to bring your leadership team or young women who desire to serve the Lord. All are welcome!

​April Sliwak is the  Executive Director of Her Life Speaks, and she can be contacted at april@herlifespeaks.org.