Anyone who involved in ministry or cause that wears the name Gospel have either gone through or are going through periods when he or she may feel their efforts aren’t getting the attention or ‘support’ that it deserves.
You know that you’re anointed. You have prayed over your decisions and you feel confident that you’re doing just what God called you to do.
But, when we deliver a message, sing a song, write a song, book or blog, launch a ministry…invest our heart, soul, passion and yes, money into our ministry…it can be devastating when people don’t seem to ‘feel it’, accept it or appreciate it.
Other than my blog, I collaborate with my wife (GospelJazz recording artist Mechelle Johnson) to write songs for our music/marriage ministry. I have been an ordained minister for over 21 years, and I have found myself second guessing my callings and investments because of the response. I found myself comparing myself and my wife to others doing the same thing (big mistake). I found myself sometimes getting upset at God because He hadn’t made things happen fast enough for me or us (Lord please forgive me). Have you?
Then I was reminded of something. The apostles were blessed to get out of town sometimes with their lives. They narrowly escaped being killed. They were beaten and imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2(NKJV)
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.
I’m reminded of what Jesus warned in the book of John…
John 16:2(NKJV)
2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
They couldn’t download music help keep them inspired. They were going on 100% Holy Spirit!
Many of us have been spoiled by ‘amens’, captive audiences and spiritual celebrity. From the local church level to Gospel recording artists to national and international…sincere Christians can become intoxicated by the attention.
The very anointing that makes us so powerful for God can become a stumbling block when we use it to benefit ourselves or feed our egos whether than glorify the name of God.
We, myself included, can find ourselves whining and complaining if we aren’t accepted as we would like to be…
We can find ourselves begging for support and votes for awards instead of delivering what God has given us…
We can find ourselves watering down our message for mass acceptance.
If what we’re doing bears the name GOSPEL, then you must maintain the integrity of the message and count the cost. Even if it’s Gospel entertainment (and there is a place for good wholesome Gospel entertainment) be prepared for the fact that everyone may not accept what you have to share. Or, it may never be as ‘you’ envisioned.
When the notoriety means more to us than the message then the enemy has found a way to distract us.
We must be careful to never compare our progress, success or what we perceive as the lack thereof to that of others.
Galatians 6:4-5 (NKJV)
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
What if John the Baptist had compared himself to his cousin Jesus? He obviously entertained some doubts considering he sent his own disciples to see if Jesus was really, ‘the one’, or should they look for another…
Matthew 11:2-3 (NKJV)
2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of[a]his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
It’s only human to want to be well received, get positive feedback and be successful according to the world…but if what we’re are doing bears the name of Christ, that can’t become the focus.
If you find yourself whining, and begging for support, or chastising others for not paying enough attention to you…stop it today and focus on planting those seeds that God ordained you to plant. You never know when and how He chooses to give the increase in His own timing.
I pray in the name of Yeshua, Jesus Christ, that God keeps you encouraged and focused. God bless your ministry, and please pray for us as well.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
BE BLESSTIFIED! 