What Should I Do If I Desire To Serve In Ministry But Opportunities Don’t Open?

Q: If I have a desire to serve the Lord in a particular way, but the door seems to open for others and not for me, should I focus on my own work and step back from making myself available to serve others? Could it mean I am not chosen for that role despite much prayer and my desire not being removed?

A: I'm sorry. This kind of hurts, and I'm not casting any judgment on you or your church. It's obvious that you feel passed over in an unjust way, and that's a bad feeling to have. You want to be used, but it seems like others don't think you're usable.

Yes, focus on whatever doors God might open for you. I know it stings to have doors for some kind of ministry or opportunity for service shut in your face. I don't want to diminish that, but do your best to leave that to the Lord, as it sounds like you're doing. Praise the Lord for that.

Look for a way that you can serve. Who knows, maybe God will open up some wonderful, fulfilling avenue of service for you that you hadn't anticipated. Or perhaps God will open some door that was previously shut for you. Do your best to not despair over this, to not feel sinned against, and just look for some open way that you can serve the Lord.