When you speak about this subject, it's almost always met with someones assumption that "you're just wanting someone to wait on you hand and foot."
However, the truth of the matter is that every leader, especially a pastor, needs an armorbearer to offer the simple qualities of loyalty, watchfulness and attentiveness.
When we acknowledge that we are called to serve a particular leader we settle on God's choice for our life. Although the Lord knows His own and He has said, "I chose you, you did not choose yourself," we must accept the call.
When you acknowledge yourself as a "God-chosen" armorbearer, your doubts will flee and your anointing will increase.
Here are some things to keep in mind while growing:
- Remember God still appoints people to serve today. "See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:" Exodus 31:2
- Allow God to make your appointment. Your assignment might not be the person you would choose. John Maxwell said, "Leaders attract not whom they want, but who they are." Still, God chooses and appoints, for He knows the needs of the ministry and the personalities. He fitly joins LEADER and HELPER together, if we allow Him.
- Realize that your calling will be specific. Every armorbearer will be placed with a designated leader. Your appointment will be specific just as Joshua was assigned to Moses, Elisha to Elijah, David to Saul, Timothy to Paul, etc.
- Your leader will be worthy. He or she will be a faithful servant of the Lord with proven leadership. More than likely they will function in a fivefold office of ministry. God will appoint you to serve one who is faithful.
- Expect to receive confirmation. In the mouth of two or three witnesses, your appointment will be established. You will know and your leader will know. Don't rush this. Let it happen naturally. If God has truly called you to a certain person, He will give evidence of your appointment.
- Watch out for pride. Rest assured, you'll be tempted with pride as you serve your leader. However, if you give into pride, God will resist you. Rather, choose to wear the garment of humility.
- Expect persecution. If Jesus was persecuted, you will be too. People who don't understand you or know your heart will question your motives.
- Trust God to defend you. As you serve your leader God will defend you. As an armorbearer, you have made a choice to lay your armor down to hold someone else's. Rest assured, that He will protect you while you're back is exposed to your adversaries.
