Scripture: 2Corinthians (NIV) 12:12 The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.
12:19 …and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.

Observation: Here is Paul’s explanation an apostle’s ministry. It is obviously one of oversight but signs, wonders and miracles are a major part. It is not that they happened once or twice, but they continue being seen in that ministry. And from the context of these verses, an apostle does not exploit or take advantage of those seeking out his ministry. The purpose of an apostle is for the church, not for selfish gain.

Application: I am not an apostle, but the purpose of the ministry God has given me is not for my gain, but the strengthening of others. A gift of ministry has been given to me to make me useful. If I am useful, I will be used. If I am used, it is easy to get tired of being used. But if I cannot be used, I will be useless. It is much worse to feel useless than to feel used! With age should come maturity. It should be easy for people to use me.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may the temptation of feeling used, be replaced with the joy of being useful, to You and Your church. Amen

NOTE: Those who think they have no way to be useful have little appreciation for the power of prayer!