Week 11 Mentoring
Every man that leads others into battle asks questions of himself...
What if I fail again?
What does it take to disqualify me from leading other men?
How much farther ahead in the journey do I have to be in order to guide someone else?
The answer to those questions and so many others is… it’s not about you. Your failures, your compromises, your struggle, your effectiveness, and your worth is all tied up in who Jesus is.
This is an excellent stage of your fight.
The opportunity to fight for other’s freedom holds your revelation for the next level of victory in your own life. Pointing others to Jesus fulfills a deep craving in your heart to live a life of significance. The opportunity to serve those who need you will bring you unimaginable joy.
Your inner dialog might stray towards, “Yeah, but you don’t know what I’ve done. You don’t know the unimaginable thoughts I’ve entertained over and over. You don’t know how many times I’ve given up in my heart. You don’t know what I am still tempted to do.” It’s true, I don’t. I am not calling you, Jesus is.
Only God knows the inner thoughts and workings of a man. In that nakedness before Him, you are still called. Now is the time to put those doubts aside, lay your fears down, and understand that God has called you for a time like this. He is calling Squad Leaders, Sargents, and Generals to lead the fight.
God is not calling your failure forward. He is calling His redemption forward. That is the working of Jesus in you. When you repent, your failure burns away in His passionate sacrifice for you. He is calling you to be His hands and voice in the darkness of the men around you. There are brothers around you that desperately need to hear your story. Not that your story is finished. They need to hear about Jesus, and YOU are the one they are looking for.
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This is not something that we are going to be able to accomplish on our own. There is a level of vulnerability, a level of openness, and a wealth of love that will be needed to win the battle at hand. You will be required to open your heart and allow others into your fight. You will need to learn how to guard your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment. Above all else, you need God’s provision of Grace and Mercy daily. Staying in constant prayer and mining truth will be the source of your victory.
Readiness is key, you must be prayed up when going into the darkness with others. Look at Christ in Gethsemane, he was getting ready to travel into the darkness for all of humanity. The first step he took was to get on His knees and surrender to His Father. He went into prayer before carrying the cross. There will be times when you will help your brothers carry their burden. You must be prayed up.
** A word to free you from the unnecessary burdens that come with ministry: You don’t own your salvation, Jesus does. In the same thought, you don’t own other men’s salvation, Jesus does. Show up, love others, and let God do the work. He is only looking for your heart and willingness to share His goodness with others daily.
Daily Scripture for Week 11
DAY 2 | SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 4:11-12 TLB
Some of us have been given special ability as apostles; to others he has given the gift of being able to preach well; some have special ability in winning people to Christ, healing them to trust him as their Savior; still other have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God.
Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity
Process & Reflect:
You are uniquely gifted by God to be exactly who you need to be. Are there times you need to step back and allow others to supplement, coordinate, or serve? Sure. But, God has people and situations in your life TODAY that need your special blend of gifts and talents. Celebrate who God made you today, and make a difference in someone’s world!
DAY 3 | SCRIPTURE
Acts 20:24 NIV
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Process & Reflect:
How much do you value significance? There is a deep God given desire placed inside of you to partner with Jesus to positively impact the lives of others. Paul valued that partnership so much that he considered his life worthless unless he was about that business. Can you say that about your connection to God’s purposes for your life?
DAY 4 | SCRIPTURE
Acts 1:8 NIV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Process & Reflect:
Notice that God place His promise of empowerment before he asks you do fulfill His call. How much of your daily walk do attempt while relying on your own power? As a mentor, your story is powerful. Your testimony helps bring understanding. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit that brings life! How much more effective would you be at leading others if you had the power of the Holy Spirit backing you up?
DAY 5 | SCRIPTURE
1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
Process & Reflect:
There are a select few people that look the part of a powerful leader. The Israelites flocked to the “obvious” choice for their leader. You may not see the depth the resource God has placed inside of you when you look in the mirror. Allow God to speak to your insecurities this week. Allow your identity to be colored by His perspectives.
DAY 6 | SCRIPTURE
James 1:5 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Process & Reflect:
Remember, It’s not about you. Your faults are not stronger than God’s desire to reach his people. When you reach out to Him for help in ministry, He will give you what you need to make something significant out of the exchange.
DAY 7 | SCRIPTURE
Hosea 14:9 NIV
Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Process & Reflect:
We often apply scripture to ourselves. The more you mature as a believer, you begin to see how scripture can be applied to help others. How does this scripture apply to your mentoring relationships?