In Mat 9:36 Jesus said, “Pray the Lord of the harvest that He would send labourers into the harvest.”
Many workers receive the call, but jump out of the furnace before the time. The sword being prepared for battle will not have the necessary strength forged into it, if it is prematurely withdrawn from the coals. The word of the Lord tests us to put iron in our soul. Ps 105:19 “Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord refined him.” We need the prayers of fellow believers so we can emerge fully equipped and ready.
Ministry today is filled with those of us who entered prematurely. We feel compelled to get folks into their place of service, and we feel pressed by the needs of the field more so than the authorizing of Father. Because of these things, we do not know how to abide fully under the penetrating fire of God, because we were not taught, and therefore, do not know how to communicate the appropriate counsel. Recall how few preachers can stay very long in the prayer place? Recall how many run their full race?