How to Know When God Is Preparing to Use You.

Read Time:5 Minute, 16 Second

By William Van Zyl

Published 6 February 2026

Have you been going through trials and tribulations? Have you received prophetic words about God wanting to use you in certain areas—such as general ministry, healing ministry, counselling, encouragement, working with teenagers, supporting those struggling with depression, helping people facing financial hardship, or any other area of service? If so, it is possible that God is preparing you for a ministry.

In January 2026, I watched a video by Kathryn Kuhlman titled “When to Know That God Is Preparing You to Do His Work or When He Is Preparing You for a Specific Ministry.” In this article, I reflect on Kathryn’s message and offer a few brief comments along the way.

Credit Image: Spotify.

Often, what you have walked through—and emerged victorious from—can become the very foundation of your ministry. Do you carry a deep compassion or passion to help others in a specific area? That may be a strong indication that God desires to use you there. For example, someone who struggled with depression for many years and was powerfully delivered by the Holy Spirit may be called to help others walking the same path.

Have you been through difficult seasons? Do you feel a desire to help others through your testimony of overcoming? If so, this article may be for you.

1. God Often Prepares His Servants Through Trials

One of the strongest themes in Kathryn Kuhlman’s teaching is that God never uses a person deeply unless He has first worked deeply in them. Trials are not punishment; they are preparation.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.”
— 1 Peter 4:12 (KJV)

Example

A person called into counselling ministry may first walk through emotional pain, rejection, or grief.
Someone called to work with depressed people may personally experience seasons of heaviness, learning compassion rather than judgment.

Kathryn often emphasised that brokenness produces spiritual authority, not talent or charisma.

2. Seasons of Silence Can Be Seasons of Formation

Kathryn Kuhlman frequently spoke about God’s silence. When God seems quiet, He is often doing His most important work.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

Example

A future teacher or youth worker may experience a season where doors seem closed, learning patience and dependence on God.
A person called to encouragement ministry may first walk through loneliness, discovering how to draw strength directly from the Lord.

Silence teaches us to listen — not to crowds, but to the Holy Spirit.

3. God Shapes Character Before He Releases Power

Kathryn Kuhlman repeatedly warned that spiritual gifts without character can destroy a ministry. God always works on the heart first.

“Before honour is humility.”
— Proverbs 18:12 (KJV)

Example

Someone sensing a call to healing ministry may first be humbled through failure, illness, or obscurity.
A future leader may be placed under authority, learning submission before being entrusted with influence.

God is far more concerned with who you are becoming than what you can do.

4. A Growing Dependence on the Holy Spirit

Kathryn Kuhlman’s life message centered on absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit. Preparation often includes learning that you cannot do God’s work in your own strength.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
— Zechariah 4:6 (KJV)

Example

Someone preparing for prayer or healing ministry may find that human confidence fades, forcing reliance on God.
A person called to encourage others financially or practically may first face lack, learning trust rather than fear.

God strips self-reliance so that His Spirit can work freely.

5. God Uses Personal Pain to Birth Compassionate Ministry

Kathryn Kuhlman often said that God uses wounded healers — people who have been comforted by God so they can comfort others.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble.”
— 2 Corinthians 1:4 (KJV)

Example

Someone called to work with teenagers may remember their own confusion, rejection, or insecurity.
A person called to help those in financial difficulty may have experienced debt, loss, or uncertainty themselves.

Pain becomes purpose when surrendered to God.

6. God Confirms Preparation Through Small Assignments

Kathryn Kuhlman believed that God tests faithfulness in small things before releasing greater responsibility.

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
— Luke 16:10 (KJV)

Example

God may ask you to pray quietly for one person before giving public ministry.
You may be led to serve behind the scenes before being seen.

Preparation often looks ordinary — but heaven sees it clearly.

7. A Deepening Love for God and People

One of the clearest signs God is preparing you is a deepening love for Jesus and compassion for people.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
— John 14:15 (KJV)

Kathryn Kuhlman often reminded audiences that ministry flows out of intimacy, not ambition.

Example

You find yourself praying for others spontaneously.
Your heart breaks for people rather than criticising them.

Love is the true mark of readiness.

Conclusion: Don’t Rush the Process

If you recognise these signs in your life, take heart. God is not delaying — He is preparing.

“There is a time for every purpose under heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

Kathryn Kuhlman’s message reminds us that God’s preparation is sacred, intentional, and deeply personal. Stay faithful. Stay surrendered. Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

When the time comes, God will open the door — and you will know you are ready.

Dear reader, I have included the link to Kathryn Kuhlman’s message below.