Harnessing All Resources for God’s Kingdom

Summary

God expands His Kingdom not only through supporters but also through former resisters and even negative circumstances. Jesus redirected self-focused ambitions into servant leadership. Persecution and trials spread the gospel and strengthen faith. Leaders must wisely mobilize resources, avoid fruitless traditions, and pursue Spirit-led ministry. When we cast a compelling vision, indifferent people can become partners in God’s mission. We should invest our time, abilities, and opportunities where they produce lasting Kingdom impact.

How People Respond to God

Some people support us. Some resist us. Most ignore us. Have you noticed? That is also how people relate to God. His kingdom expands when supporters are empowered, and those who formerly resisted and ignored Him become supporters.

God’s Patience and Our Purpose

God does not want to destroy us. He patiently waits for us to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Some, but not all, people do. We who are Christians did.

Our purpose is to glorify Him. But that raises a question. How can we seek God's kingdom most effectively? How can we harness all possible energy and resources to do that?

Using Every Kind of Energy for God’s Glory

Jesus used even negative energy and His disciples’ self-promoting desires to glorify God. He exposed their push for personal greatness. He taught them to achieve it by taking the lowest rank and serving others (Luke 22:24-26).

God Redeems Opposition and Trials

God used the negative resistance of persecution to expand the faith into new areas outside Jerusalem (Acts 8). Paul used kingdom-resisting idolatry in Athens as a springboard to preach the gospel (Acts 17:17-23).

Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. After he became prominent in Egypt, he described their deed: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20 NIV).

God uses the unwanted trials and troubles we face to develop our faith muscles (James 1:2-4). He comforts us in adversity so we can comfort others facing similar tough times (2 Corinthians 1:3-6).

Mobilizing and Transforming Believers

David harnessed the resources of his mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:10ff). Christian leaders mobilized believers’ resources to meet the needs of other believers (Acts 4:32). The Apostle John wrote to transform lukewarm, self-satisfied believers into fully committed followers of Christ (Revelation 3:14-18).

Avoiding Fruitless Ministry

How can we maximize the kingdom-building return on our time, abilities, energy, and facilities? We dare not waste them on persistently unfruitful ministry. We must try another approach.

Beware of perpetuating tradition-driven, fruitless ministry just because you have always done it. God wants to use us to extend His kingdom more than we want to be used. He provides the resources, but we must use them wisely.

Follow the Holy Spirit’s Guidance

As we seek to walk in His ways, His Spirit will guide us (Isaiah 30:1). When He does, we should recruit others to follow Him. God will work in their hearts to move them to join us.

Build Teams and Cast Vision

Harness the resources of those who support the new ministry direction and dialogue with those who do not yet. Incorporate their input about the new direction while it is still being shaped and invite them to join you. When we cast a captivating vision, some formerly indifferent people will join us and share their resources to make it happen. Team ministry is more effective than individual ministry.

A Personal Example of Harnessing All Resources

God led me to redirect most of my ministry efforts away from the United States, where they had produced minimal fruit. In retirement, I have provided free spiritual resources for people in the Philippines, several African nations, and India.

God has enabled me to connect with millions through “Jesus Is Lord” and other posts on Facebook. African pastors have used my book, “His Power for Your Weakness,” to bring 7,541 people to faith in Christ and disciple 17,361. Others have helped me provide Africans with 14,325 Bibles in their native tongue.

A Challenge to the Reader

I leave you with a challenge. How can you harness all possible energy and resources to glorify God in your ministry? What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources 

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,541 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,361 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

Photo: Image Creator (microsoft.com)