Lay It on Me

G ETTING O UT OF THE C ORNER / 61

blessing. Local churches and ministries need people who are called into that ministry. Pastors do not need an associate pastor on staff who wants to start a church three blocks away after he has been linked with members of the congregation for three years! Pastors need men who say, "I am with you. I am called alongside you. We are a team. Your battles are my battles and your victories are my victories." When a pastor finds co-workers with that attitude, he should do all in his strength to minister to every need that arises in their lives. Evangelistic ministries need people who are called to that ministry. Those organizations need people who will say, "If I never preach at your camp meeting, I am called. If I never sing before thousands, I am called. If you never brag on my ability, I am with you all the way!" Ruth was called! She was chosen! She was a woman of destiny and she wasn't lazy. God doesn't choose lazy people to minister. He never calls a "couch potato." Moses was a busy shepherd, as was David. Levi was a busy tax collector while Peter was a fisherman who spent entire nights on the sea. God not only recognized the gift in each person but he recognized their inner character and their willingness to work. All who have a worldwide ministry are almost obsessed with their desire to reach the lost. Paul talked about being "addicted to the gospel" (1 Corinthians 16:15). God calls men who will WORK in the field. Jesus is asking, "Why have you been standing here idle all day" (Matthew 20:6)? Younger ministers visit our ministry center and see the level we are on now. What they can't see is the prayer, fasting and effort of