Reflections on being called to the ministry

I've been reflecting on my first year in full-time ministry, and there's so much one can say - but the Apostle Paul puts it SO much better (with a bit of illumination provided by Matthew Henry)

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (I Timothy 1: 12, KJV)

1. It is Christ's work to put [people] into the ministry (Acts 26: 16-17). God condemned the false prophets among the Jews in these words: “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied” (Jeremiah 23: 21). Ministers, properly speaking, cannot make themselves ministers; for it is Christ's work, as king and head, prophet and teacher, of his church.

2. Those whom he puts into the ministry he fits for it; whom he calls he qualifies. Those ministers who are no way fit for their work, nor have ability for it, are not of Christ's putting into the ministry, though there are different qualifications as to gifts and graces.

3. Christ gives not only ability, but fidelity, to those whom he puts into the ministry: He counted me faithful; and none are counted faithful but those whom he makes so. Christ's ministers are trusty servants, and they ought to be so, having so great a trust committed to them.

4. A call to the ministry is a great favour, for which those who are so called ought to give thanks to Jesus Christ: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath put me into the ministry.

(Source: Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible)

Our God is an awesome God!