As Moses and the Israelites embarked on their journey to the Promised Land, the Lord sent his angel to ensure they arrived safely at their destination. God was very intentional about Israel’s steps forward and he’s also concerned about your next ministry steps. It’s important to have a clear vision, a sound strategic plan, and strong follow through, but how do know you’re headed in the right direction? God sends his angels to guide you to where he wants you to go.
Send
God’s billions of angels stand ready to serve him (Psa. 130:2). One of their assignments is to serve the redeemed, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb. 1:14). The Lord sent an angel ahead of Israel to keep them on the right path. If his angel guided Israel corporately, you can be assured his angels are actively involved in your mission. He will lead you to the right ministry partners and prepare them to give generously.
Guard
You are in a spiritual battle with many adversaries. Praise the Lord, he didn’t leave you to fend for yourself. His unseen soldiers are protecting you from spiritual attacks. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den for his obedience, but God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions (Dan. 6:22). God has an eternal purpose for every trial your ministry faces. You might feel surrounded by enemies, but God can silence their voices.
Bring
King Herod threw Peter into prison for preaching the Good News. So, the Lord dispatched an angel to plan a divine jailbreak (see Acts 19). He woke Peter, removed his chains, led him past the guards, and opened the iron gate. The church was fasting and praying but was shocked when Peter showed up at the door. This miraculous rescue emphases the important role prayer plays in your success and how angels deliver answered prayers. You must recruit a team of supporters who will faithfully pray for you.
Prepare
God successfully brought Israel to the Promised Land and has an important role for your ministry to fulfill in his kingdom. He has people for you to serve, and donors prepared to partner with you. One of our greatest enemies is discouragement. Elijah experienced burnout from his spiritual battles with the prophets of Baal. He ran away from Jezebel one hundred and fifty miles and fell totally exhausted beneath the broom tree (see 1 Kings 19:1-7). An angel came and ministered to him with food, water, and sleep. Ministry, especially fundraising, can be discouraging. Are you spiritually exhausted? God can strengthen you when you’re too tired to keep going.
Think About This: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Heb. 13:2). Everyone wants a fundraising angel to appear out of nowhere with an incredible gift. Occasionally, God provides miraculous gifts. Love the strangers in your world, one might be an angel.
Response: Lord, thank you for sending your angels to strengthen our team and help us accomplish your goals.
Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.