iShineInMinistry

1 Samuel 2:35 (NKJV)

Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever.

I am currently reading the book of Jeremiah and the thought that keeps coming to mind is how many scriptures from that book we commit to memory. In our eyes, when we think about this prophet’s life, we genuinely say that Jeremiah was faithful and devoted to the Lord. He did great things for the Lord and proclaimed the truth no matter what. We strive to be like many of the people in the Bible; but as we truly think about how Jeremiah’s life played out…why do we place so much pressure on ourselves and our ministries to measure success by numbers and what we call results?

Jeremiah did not have one single person repent and turn to the Lord. He faithfully followed the Lord and ended up in a gross, underground “home” as Israel continued to disobey. When we speak to people and ask them how many they have led to the Lord, do we judge if we hear the number zero, but see genuine faithfulness in their life? Also, do we think lower of someone when we hear they have been in prison? If Jeremiah lived today and was a pastor…would you attend his church after you heard report of him?

I think our focus and thoughts need to shift. The main priority should be obedience to God; then, let Him decide what the results should look like in the end. We think success is measured by higher scores, higher numbers and what we perceive to be “higher callings”. This is not at all the way the Lord thinks. Let’s shift what we think a good ministry or faithful Christian life looks like and let our thoughts match up with what the word of God says. Remember, the faithful church in Revelation had just “ a little strength” and that was all it needed to be in the will of God and sincerely serve in spirit and truth. I hope and pray that we will do the same as we lived #TheCharmedLife.

Deuteronomy 5:32 (NASB)

"So you shall observe to do just as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left.

Revelation 3:8 (NKJV)

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.