Devotionals for the Heart: When Jesus Christ calls you into ministry

Answering the Call from Jesus Christ
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”—Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

I was lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to fall asleep, but my thoughts wouldn't stop circling.

My mind was filled with questions. I asked myself: Should I continue with the ministry? I thought God called me into ministry. Ever since I met my Savior (Jesus Christ), there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to dedicate my life to serving Him, in whatever field He called me into to serve His people.

Over the years, God has shaped my heart for ministry through real-life experiences. Twenty-five years have gone by since I surrendered myself to God and not a day goes by that I want to try to run away. Instead, I want to equip myself to do His work.

When Jesus walked on this Earth gathering His disciples, it didn’t seem to me to be a complicated process. He used a personal approach that required a radical and sometimes immediate commitment from those He chose. Jesus didn’t conduct a lengthy interview with each disciple. He didn't ask about their educational background, their ministry portfolio, or any references. Maybe that was because Jesus knew all about them? One thing I believe is that He calls out ordinary people who are willing to serve Him, regardless of the circumstances, because ministry is a personal invitation from God.

For many years, I waited to be in the ministry. I try to equip myself by being involved in a church and belonging to one. But after many years, I am facing rejection and being overlooked, and I have no idea why. However, one thing I’m certain of is that my unique approach to loving broken people makes me feel left out.

After my husband passed away, I pursued the coaching profession because I wanted to help as many people as possible to find their purpose in life. So, I became a certified coach. After many years of practice, I thought I could start helping in ministry. I enjoyed being asked to preach or share my story about my brokenness and talk about how God restored and helped me during my dark moments. I tried to join a mission organization and obtain a scholarship through an organization but found that I am not qualified.

I’ve learned that an organization may have rules and boxes for you to check, but God’s Kingdom doesn’t run on man-made checklists. Ministry is not limited to pulpits or titles; it happens in daily life, in homes, in workplaces, in conversations.

What qualifies someone for ministry isn’t institutional approval but faithfulness to God. Faithful ministry is fueled by love, humility, and a spirit of obedience. Read 1 Samuel 16:7, Micah 6:8 and 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 for details. If I want to wait until I can meet every organizational standard, I will continue to chase approval and validation from humankind then I might never experience serving God.

I believe that God will open new doors for me. I will carry out my ministry in my personal life, at my job, through my writing, and in my coaching. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” I strive to achieve that Biblical standard of ministry.

Maybe you too feel rejected by people. But remember: God has not rejected you. Read Christ’s words to His disciples in John 15:16 (NIV), “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

Maybe people have rejected you, but God hasn’t. If He called you into ministry then that calling cannot be taken away by human qualifications. Ministry is not about where you serve, but who you serve.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your mercy and grace in my life. Your never-ending love gives me the strength to survive and thrive. Thank You for reminding me that ministry is not about human qualifications but about Your calling. Even if people reject me, I know You have chosen me. Help me to live faithfully for Christ and to minister in every place You send me, with humility and courage. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Potter’s Hand” by Darlene Zschech. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Nobody” by Casting Crowns ft. Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “The Cause of Christ” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~

Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.