Our Pastor had a great message last night at church. He always has great messages, it’s just that some things set me thinking (and writing) and often sets something in motion.
One of the things he said last night was “God will often show you a glimpse of your influence at the point where you feel like giving up!” Ain’t that the truth?
Ps Rob gave an example which immediately took me back to several instances of when I wanted to give up but pushed through because someone contacted me at that crucial moment to say how much something I’d done or said had an effect on their lives.
Wow! How did they know to contact me right at that very moment? Because I’d prayed to God asking Him what should I do? Should I continue or should I give up? Sometimes I would be crying out loud (thank goodness I work in an office alone otherwise others would wonder what was going on) and other times simply praying silently with tears rolling down my cheeks.
I’ve found as I’ve pushed forward with what I know God has charged me with, I encounter even more opposition, and often those things are personal attacks on me, what I do, my life, my character and so on. This was particularly the case last year as I was writing my book “Worth More Than Rubies“, and especially as it got close to the point of publication and distribution. Fortunately the teachings I’d received over the years in church and elsewhere had told me that when we’re doing God’s work, there will be continued attacks to try and knock us off our path.
When I got back home from church I read the message on my calendar for the day and had to smile – a reinforcement from God.
“Only be strong and courageous!” Joshua 1:18 NIV.
God had battles for you to fight and win in his strength, but you must do your part.
My name is Kathie and I live in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up always knowing that God was with me and formally accepted Christ as my Saviour when I was 14 years old. I have had many experiences where God has been involved at my places of work and amongst my work colleagues.
by Beverly, on March 1 2008 @ 11:15 pm
Can I say “Been there. Done that.” Yes, I could write a book about the times I was deep in the valley and ready to give up when God showed up and showed out! (My Pastor says that in church alot!) The Word says when you are at your weakest, that’s when God can work thru you and His power makes you stronger again. I’m so glad to know I have somewhere to turn during those moments.
by Karen O'Bannon, on March 3 2008 @ 11:29 pm
I think we’ve all taken turns being in the valley. As if the work itself isn’t hard enough, people sometimes don’t make things any easier. But the good thing about a vision God gives you is that the vision itself will give you strength. And those affirmations that you spoke of earlier are the icing on the cake!
by Mick, on March 19 2009 @ 1:42 am
I wish this were always true, that God provides people to come and remind you of your past influences. Nice thought. But that that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes God waits to receive and perceive persistance out of you. I too could write a book of trials and pain. I’m a pastor where you deal with people that often get close to you, then crucify you. I know that God doesn’t always send help via men or their messages. He often lets you sit in the pit till you show a consistant act of worship unto Him. By being constant…God becomes consistant. I’m in a “pit” now with a reality that Christianity, churches, and pastoral “friends” are being unfaithful to me. When I’m needed, I’m actually loved, and then after being “used” for their “buisness”, I’m alone with God again. These people of God show you their love and not God’s true compassion. Thier love fails…God never fails. Thus, when people are your hope as your feeling low…your hope is not in God. To wait for a human to come and encourage you is a foolish act of faithlessness. An act of dependancy on man. I love encouragement from others…but I need encouragement and faithfulness from God. A man’s hope in his fellow brothers is a temporal life boat with a hole in it. However, God’s deliverence is sure. ~
by Kathie, on May 31 2009 @ 10:39 am
Hello Pastor Mick and thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry you’re in the ‘pit’ right now, but you know that it won’t be forever, as life is constantly changing and moving forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes.
I’m so sorry you’ve had people use you and then leave you alone again. That is their problem and not yours. I’ve had the same thing happen to me and it’s usually during those ‘pit’ times when others come along to help pick me up again.
I wasn’t saying we should be dependent on man – man is fickle. But I am saying that God will use ‘man’ to demonstrate His love and concern for us and often to encourage us during our down times. For this I am grateful and I pray that someone will come along real soon to help lift you back out of the pit.