How To Extend Your Ministry

The Bible says in Joshua 14:12, " Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day." Those words came from a man of vision. Caleb made no room for defeat in his Christian experience but was confident in his belief that nothing was too hard for God to handle.

 He did not stagger as did Sarah when she was told that she was going to have a child by Abraham (Gen. 18:12).

If Caleb had the song written in his day, whose lyrics I am about to quote, he would have been singing the song. It says, "I know my God can do it, to him there’s nothing to it." We all want to labor for the Lord as long as possible. How can we extend our ministries?

I.                 Ask God For An Extension Of Time Like Hezekiah- His name means" Yahweh as strengthened." He reigned 29 years as the King of Judah (726 B.C.- 697 B.C.). His great-grandfather was Uzziah. He sought to abolish idolatry from Judah. Hezekiah is considered by authorities to be a good king. 2 Kings 20:1-6 lets us know that God answered his prayer and added fifteen years unto his life-span.

·         First, he prayed knowledgeably (1 Kings 20:2). His conversation with God shows that he had a personal relationship with Him.

·         Second, he prayed broken-heartedly. Verse three says, "He wept sore." It was no doubt a prayer with much fervency.

·         Thirdly, it was a prayer that touched the heart of God. Fifteen years were added to his life, in spite of the sickness he was facing.

II.             Ask God For An Enlargement Of Coasts Like Jabez- Read 1 Chronicles 4:10.

·         Jabez prayed for the Lord to enlarge his coast. What did Jabez mean when he asked God to do such a thing?

·          It meant he desired that God extend his possessions, increase his wealth, and to advance his influence.

·         If we need some material possession, or more money, or more influence that we might be better used of God, we can feel free to ask our God. Thank God His coffers are full !

III.         Ask God For An Enduement Of Power Like Elisha-

·         In 2 Kings 2:9, Elijah asked Elisha what he could do for him before going away.

·         Elisha prayed for a double portion of the Spirit that Elijah knew. Rest assured of two things.

·         He asked for what he wanted. When it came to God’s power, it was a necessity and an essential thing for Elisha.

·         Then, he got what he wanted.

·         He ministered in the power of Elijah. As God empowers us, we can continue for His name’s sake.