Developing Effectiveness within the Spirit of Armorbearing

In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will.
Ephesians 1:11 AMP

One of the first ways to solidify your service and become more effective as an armor bearer is to zero in on God’s purpose for your life with regard to this function. The Scriptures tell us that we have obtained an inheritance because we have been chosen and appointed beforehand in accordance with God’s purpose. When you discover that it is God’s will for you to function in the spirit of an armor bearer, you will develop effectiveness. However, you will lose the edge of effectiveness if you are unsure of God’s purpose for your life. Once you discover your purpose, you must familiarize yourself with that purpose. This is done by studying the Word of God and reading accounts of those who successfully walked in this spirit. It is also good to find living examples of people with like purposes. Ask them questions. Observe the way they function.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Matthew 13:44

Another way of developing effectiveness in the spirit of armorbearing is by being faithful in the service in which you currently find yourself. The “hidden treasures in a field” are those things that are found in the process of being in the “field” working—being faithful. The “Hidden treasures” are the giftings and talents we discover while we are busily serving others. I know this so well. I never knew that I was an author until I worked on the tenth book for my own pastor. My own leadership skills weren’t clear to me until I had faithfully served my own leader for years. This is the joy of a man who discovers treasures while working in the field.

And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.
2 Kings 3:11b

How would you like to be remembered? By the effectiveness of your service or by your title?

I hope to be remembered by my service. Elisha is known by two different descriptions:

(1) the son of Shaphat, and
(2) the one who poured water on the hands of Elijah.

The first description speaks of where he was born. Where are you from? Your origin is very important. Who raised you? Who’s your daddy? What is your spiritual heritage? But even more important, what are you known for? Who have you served? Elisha developed his effectiveness through his commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, character and integrity while serving Elijah’s ministry. Elisha’s reputation preceded him. His service brought validation to his own ministry.

There are four powers that are linked to an armorbearer’s effectiveness:

(1) Initiative Power. This is the power of creative works, which causes an armorbearer to take the initiative in service. This is the power of the one who doesn’t wait to be asked to do things, but through observation, discernment, wisdom, and understanding possesses the initiative power to get the job done.

(2) Producing Power. This is the power that kicks into gear after initiative power has run out. After an armorbearer has initiated a task, producing power backs up what is to be done. This power causes an armorbearer to be productive and fruitful. They aren’t just making attempts to do things; fruit is manifesting in their life.

(3) Staying Power. This is the power of longevity. It grounds an armorbearer in the truth that their spiritual walk is not magical, but is a process. This power allows an armorbearer to stay the course. Despite obstacles, setbacks, and disappointments the servant is able to push on further because they possess staying power.

(4) Capacity Power. This is the power to receive the mandate of God and more. The armorbearer’s capacity power controls how much they can bear under pressure. Their degree of effectiveness is directly proportional to the vastness of their capacity. God enlarges them so that they can effectively serve those whom they have been ordained to serve. How does this enlargement take place? God doesn’t do it publicly. He enlarges their capacity inwardly through experiences, trials, and tests that the armorbearer endures in their own personal life. I like what king David said in Psalm 4:1b, “thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress.” In other words, when we are experiencing tough times in life, God is stretching and enlarging us.