Appointed to His Service: Finding Strength in 1 Timothy 1:12

Even in the ordinary grind, God is preparing men for extraordinary service.

David never thought of himself as someone God would use. He was an ordinary man working long hours in construction, just trying to keep food on the table. But deep inside, he felt something missing, a purpose that hard work alone couldn’t fill.

It was during a difficult season, when his marriage was strained and his body exhausted, that David cried out to God in prayer. “Lord, if You can use me, then use me. I don’t have much to offer, but I give You what I have.”

Weeks later, an elder at church asked if David would consider helping with the men’s ministry. At first, David laughed it off. He didn’t see himself as a leader. He barely thought of himself as worthy.

But that night, while reading his Bible, he stumbled upon 1 Timothy 1:12. “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” The words struck his heart like a hammer.

He realized it wasn’t about his own worthiness, but about Christ’s strength working through him. God didn’t call perfect men. He called willing men. And when Christ appointed, He also empowered.

Faithfulness begins in the small things — every act of service matters to Christ.

David said yes, trembling but trusting. His first role was simple, setting up chairs, welcoming men at the door, and serving coffee. Yet he did it faithfully, remembering that every small task in God’s house carried eternal weight.

Over time, God gave him boldness to share his story. He opened up about the struggles he once hid, his battles with anger, pride, and feeling like a failure. To his surprise, men leaned in and listened. His brokenness became a bridge.

Soon, men were calling him during the week, asking for advice, prayer, or just someone to listen. David realized God had taken the very weaknesses that once shamed him and turned them into tools of ministry.

The more he leaned on Christ, the stronger he became. Not strong in his own willpower, but strong in the Spirit, strengthened by the same Lord who appointed him.

One night, his teenage son walked into the living room and said, “Dad, I’ve been watching you. You’re different. You’ve changed. I want to follow the God you follow.” David’s eyes filled with tears. That was the greatest fruit of his service.

David’s life was no longer just about providing for his family. It was about shepherding them. His workplace became another mission field. Co-workers noticed his patience and calm spirit under pressure, and some even asked him about his faith.

Years later, David looked back and marveled. He had never imagined God would call a man like him to ministry. But God had. And through every trial, Christ had given him the strength to be faithful.

Now, whenever he read 1 Timothy 1:12, he prayed the words with gratitude: “Thank You, Lord, for considering me faithful. Thank You for appointing me to serve You.”

David’s story reminds us that every man has a calling. Whether it’s in the pulpit, the workplace, or at home, Christ gives strength and appoints us. The question is not whether we’re qualified, it’s whether we’re willing to say yes.

Where do you feel God has appointed you to serve?

• In my family
• In my church
• In my workplace
• In my community