Ministry Is Not Glamorous…
Ministry is the hardest thing I have ever done. I’ve worked in many different jobs and several industries, but it’s different than any other job because it’s not a job, it’s a calling.
Ministry is certainly rewarding and you know that God is with you, but at times the pressure and attack can make you feel almost overwhelmed. It comes from all sides. It also rarely stops. What happens is that the warfare doesn’t cease, but you eventually get better at dealing with it. That is very important. God seasons you. He has to do it. We have to let Him!
God waits until you are ready. Then He gives you more. This process continues unless you get off course or your heart state goes into fleshly things rather than His will. But if you steward what He gives you appropriately, He expands the territory. For HIS glory, NOT ours!
The enemy hates that the minister is helping to save souls and pull people out of darkness. The whole battle in this world is about souls. It’s about where we will spend our eternity. Also, where those around us will spend their eternity. So if you become a soul winner, that puts a huge target on your back because you are working against the enemy’s plan for destruction and death.
The enemy also absolutely hates a Bible-believing, Spirit-filled Christian. That’s because the battle is against principalities and strongholds, and the Christians can stop the wicked plans and pull down the strongholds. This is why if you are one of these people, you are also targeted.
Things are now coming to a head in the world. There is a rise in the spirit of the Antichrist. What was once more hidden is now open and overt. This is because the hour is extremely late. They are calling evil good and good evil.
God is not going to tolerate people who are doing things in His name, but who lack the fear and reverence of who He is. He is requiring us all to humble ourselves and wait on Him for whatever it is that He wants us to do for HIS glory. Also to go when He says go. We need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Ministry is not a platform. It’s not fame. It’s not a following. It’s not about a perfect person or pastor. It’s about being a humble servant. We need to be humble servants. Not looking for our dreams to be fulfilled. God will do exceedingly and abundantly of anything we can imagine anyway. It’s not about our own glory. Not about what God can do for us, but rather what we will do for Him. Subsequently, He will reward our obedience.
In ministry, you will be attacked, and many things will happen…but God will be your defense. It’s critical to stay in the secret place. It’s about God. His work. His Kingdom business. Stay in Him. Stay on mission. Make sure your heart is right. Die to your flesh daily.
The way you don’t grow weary is by staying in prayer, worship, and the Word of God. Don’t look for man’s approval. Serve an audience of One. He will keep you. In Him, you will find peace and rest.
The joy of the Lord is our strength.
