Keeping Things Moving

This past month has delivered to most of the country some of the heaviest snow and cold we have seen in years. As you watch the weather reports and forecasts, you see on the maps the numerous atmospheric fronts moving across our nation, producing all kinds of climate changes that constantly come and go. A lot of things in God’s universe have that characteristic.

One thing I know for sure: There is an ebb and flow to ministry. We all have highs and lows. There are some days when things could not be going any better, and there are other days when we must pinch ourselves to make sure we are not having a nightmare.

Momentum is the answer to surviving the ebb and flow of ministry. If you get things moving and help people see there is something going on, they will move with you. Status quo and the “same old-same old” will stop momentum. The message must stay the same — but the methods can change.

Here is how you can get things moving in a positive way:

  1. Ask God for a unique and meaningful idea or cause. He has a dream for you.
  2. Be a believer. Sell your passion. People respond to optimism.
  3. Surround yourself with positive people.
  4. Keep your idea or cause constantly before your congregation.
  5. Do not forsake your dream because of negative people. Live like a winner!

Remember Paul’s prayer for one of his beloved churches: “May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 MSG).

I want to add that, like anyone who has dreams and makes plans, there comes a time when you have done all you can do and must leave the results to God. That’s what I’ve done with my assignments. I have done all I can do — prayed a lot of prayers, anticipated the unexpected — and ultimately, have surrendered the results to our Lord.

I think that is pretty good advice for any activity you are planning, as are the words from Jeremiah: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Our God is still God, and we have the opportunity to let Him do marvelous things in our lives and ministries. I have thought for a long time that most of us live below God’s waterline for our ministry. He has wonders in mind for us. Are we equal to the challenge?

Get on the same page with our Lord’s ideas and plans for you. “Lead me, 0 LORD, in your righteousness … make straight your way before me” (Psalm 5:8).

I wish for you every morning a fresh glimpse of our Lord’s expectation, and courage to live by faith as He surrounds you with His favor.

“In his heart, a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

 

 

©2015 HB London.  Originally posted on HB London’s, Heart of A Pastor Blog.