If there is something that I have learnt in this life, it is to learn contentment in where we are placed. Whether you are a youth leaders’ pastor, on welcome team, or on multiple teams for the matter, if you go in with a loving heart for that particular ministry keep it that way.
I know the trials arise just when all is looking and feeling grand, and it’s in those moments that we all can feel so many emotions at once. We come to conclusions with making the decision based on our emotions and we feel like we could quit. Yes I said that four letter word: it’s easier to pick up our belongings and leave when the going gets tuff.
For people with such calling on our lives we have to be alert that if we trust God throughout our trials then we will come out triumphantly!
We can’t make it through without our helper, our Heavenly Father God. In my own personal trials I have read over these Holy Scriptures, which have replaced anxiety and stress in my heart with peace, grace and the love of God the Father.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm chapter 23, verse 4)
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm chapter 23, verse 2-3)
Isn’t it funny how the above Scriptures are from the same chapter, but when separated it feels like these verses could be from different books?
David was obviously expecting that feeling that I mentioned earlier, the feeling of discontentment and not belonging, and of giving up. King David spoke out in faith in his trial, “I will fear no evil.” When we declare the Word of God with full faith we are focusing on God’s plan.
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.” (Hebrews chapter 11, verse 6)
Psalm chapter 23, verse 3 is so empowering, ‘He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.’
God refreshes our souls to keep us on going along His individual path for us.
"Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” (Matthew chapter 5, verse 12)
I’ve been told the mightier the calling the greater the challenges.
It’s seriously frustrating sometimes when you know the calling of God and your placed in a workplace you didn’t particularly dream of, or let’s say a position in the church that you don’t necessarily enjoy. But it’s times like these that builds up our character. We should quit running from our trials for in them you will learn more, become more and do more. Quit hopping from church to church, city to city every time something happens that you don’t like. Stay right there, where you are totally under pressure and you’re under heat, because that’s when a diamond is born.
We have to come out of these little trials triumphantly if we’re going to be called to much greater things.
This Scripture puts it best: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. (Luke chapter 16, verse 10)
Let this be our prayer:
“Father God I place my whole life in your hands without reserve. I thank you, Lord Jesus, that you not only died to give me the gift of eternal life, but You rose again to live your life in me and though me. I acknowledge that I am in constant dependence upon you Holy Spirit. I live for you in obedience to your promptings.
“We pray with the psalmist ‘Teach me your way Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.’ (Psalm chapter 86 verse 11)
We do not choose to be challenged by the truths of your Word. We choose to be changed. Thank you, Jesus, that you set us free to be in intimate friendship with you, ultimate freedom and fulfilment.”
Elizabeth Josic is a Press Service International young writer from the Sunshine Coast.
Elizabeth Josic is a Press Services International columnist from the Sunshine Coast.