HELEN SANDERS

9-27-2025

DON’T RUN BEFORE YOU WALK

As a Christian that believes in the gifts of the Spirit, there have been times of observation that I want to share. Often, if you are part of a Pentecostal Church that believes in the gift of prophecy, a person may be prophesied over.

Perhaps that prophecy is a word telling them that God has called them to the ministry. I have often seen when this happens that those young in the Lord want to “jump into ministry” before they are ready. Even though they may have a strong gift, their character may not be developed enough to sustain the ministry.  Pastors often fail to prepare someone for future ministry and put people into positions before their time. This can cause them to become bitter if things do not happen the way they hoped they would. They often think if they were called, then they are ready, which is not the case. 

Abram was called at 75 to leave Ur of the Chaldees and Haran and go to a place he had never been before. God told him in Genesis 12:2, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” It took many years of character failures, trials, and hard battles before this promise was fulfilled. During the waiting period Abram had a name change. He became Abraham. Then after twenty-five years he had the promised son. It did not happen overnight.

Just like a baby takes his first step, Christians too take their first steps. We are not born with the truths of being a Christian. Our faith must be developed, and often it is developed in the fiery furnace of afflictions. 

Just because one feels a call upon their life does not mean they are prepared to step into that call. It starts with baby steps. Studying the Word is so vital in growth. Then, being willing to do menial tasks, like cleaning the church helps develop character. Remember, Jesus washed his disciples feet, and you should be willing to serve before you are served.

God loves a servant’s heart. We are not born with that kind of heart.  A baby cries until it gets fed and gets its own way. Christians are often like that. If they do not get their way, they leave the church. This shows immaturity. Character sits at the mentor’s feet and is willing to wash those feet, if necessary, not demanding that someone else wash their feet.

Don’t be in a hurry to do things for God. Allow Him to develop strong character traits in you as you grow into your call. Find a mentor that will be willing to help you on that journey and show you your mistakes when you make them. Discipline is vital to grow into a leader.

 Remember, we only take one step at a time. Don’t get in a hurry to get “there” before God is ready for us to go “there”! Don't run before you walk!



Russell and Helen Sanders

Spirit of Life Ministries International, Inc.

www.spiritoflifeintl.org