As We Wait
I’ll never forget that life-changing Wednesday morning in January 2006. I had been through an intense search for purpose and meaning in my life. I had earnestly been praying for the filling of the Holy Spirit and had made every effort to surrender all areas of my life to God. As I drove to work, the Spirit whispered a call to ministry into my heart. With tears streaming and with a heart much like Mary’s, I cherished His promises and believed the impossible would become possible.
When God issues a call to ministry or gives new – ministry direction, often times the assignment isn’t clear and we find ourselves in a “limbo – period.” Let’s be honest. No one likes to wait, however waiting is valuable ministry training. God is more interested in our relationship than our service. He’s more interested in our character rather than our gifts. During this waiting period, God will allow our faith to be tested so He can develop love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. 2 Corinthians 6:6 says: “We PROVE ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.” As soon as we learn the lessons to His satisfaction, He will open doors. In the meantime, many of us grow impatient and start doing what makes sense or what everybody else is doing. Before we know it, we behave like Sarah and gain an “Ishmael” to deal with or we behave like frustrated and overworked Martha – in the kitchen frying hamburgers that Jesus didn’t order! Waiting on God to develop our character or waiting on Him to open doors can be frustrating, but there are many things we can do.
As we wait, we should “Set our face like a stone, determined to do HIS will.” (Isaiah 50:7b) Our ministries are not ours; they never were and never will be. To have an authentic, fruit producing ministry, we need to be listening for God’s direction and be determined to do ONLY what God tells us to do. Moses, Samuel, Jehosophat, David, Paul, Stephen are a few Biblical examples but Jesus himself is the best. John 17:4 states “ I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work YOU gave me to do.” It’s very easy to get caught up in what others are doing instead of letting God define our ministries and draw its boundaries. Jesus made it clear in scripture, He was about his Father’s business, and He only said what the Father told Him to say and only did what He was told to do. The Spirit does the same. (John 16:15)
As we wait, it’s also important to remember to keep our eyes on Christ and not compare ourselves to others. When we get our eyes on others, we subject ourselves to passing judgement , jealousy and discontentment. We must remember only God measures success. Success in God’s eyes may not be about how large the attendance is, how many records are sold or how many number one songs we have. It’s God’s kingdom, His plan. We have to be content and faithful to the assignment specifically given to us. He didn’t call every church to be a mega church, nor did He call every artist to the Grammy stage. Colossians 4:17 says “Be sure to carry out the ministry the LORD GAVE YOU.” God’s idea of success and the world’s idea of success could be totally different and if our focus is on Christ, we’ll remain content. Paul is a great example. He was content whether he was hungry or full, rich or poor. 2 Corinthians 6:8-9 says that” he served God whether people honored him or despised him, whether they praised or slandered him. There were times he was ignored even though he was well known.” We have to determine to remain true to our calling no matter what that may be.
As we wait, we can allow God to identify and purify our motives. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 says “Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials, gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like some barely escaping through a wall of flames.” James 3:14 states “selfish ambition is earthly, unspiritual and demonic.” Proverbs 20:27 tells us “The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit exposing every hidden motive.” To assure us of God’s acceptance of our service on judgment day, we need to allow Him to search our hearts and purify our motives. We should continually pray for purity of heart.
As we wait, we can learn to truly trust God and follow His leading. Waiting can feel like we’re wandering in total darkness. Isaiah 50:10b-11 says “If you are walking in darkness without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God. But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me. You will soon fall down in great torment.” This verse describes two kinds of people – both are walking in darkness or “by faith.” The first group relies on God; the second group is self sufficient. The self sufficient group ends up in pain. Ouch! I’m sure we’ve all “been there – done that – got the t-shirt!” Proverbs 3:6 says “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” The Hebrew word for “ways” is “Derek” meaning the pathway of life. “Acknowledge” comes from the Hebrew word “ yada” it means to know relationally and experientially. In other words, we should relationally know and experience God in our everyday life and He will continually lead us on the right paths.
As we wait, we can be sure God’s plans are worth waiting for! Ephesians 2:10 states “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” You are God’s masterpiece! He’s had plans for you for a long time! These plans are good by God’s definition of good – plans to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Get in tune with the Holy Spirit to find out exactly what His unique and specific plans are for your life. Get determined to not interfere or get ahead, then follow Him! Enjoy the adventure with great anticipation of hearing “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”
As we wait, we can believe God to accomplish His purposes. I still cherish the promises God made to me in January, 2006. I’ve been amazed as I’ve dated fulfillments in my old journals and Bibles. Although everything has not come to pass, I know my God is faithful and will perfect every good work He begins! He will perfect the good work He started in you as well!
Pastor Rhonda
Published sgnscoops.com April 5, 2010