When You Feel Like Giving Up
Have you ever felt like giving up in ministry? Were there times when the fruit you hoped to see never materialized and discouragement set in instead?
Here are three things that kept me engaged during those challenging seasons of doubt, disappointment, and uncertainty:
Focus on Obedience.
I had to remind myself that I was accountable to Jesus for my obedience to Him and faithfulness to His calling, not the results they produced (Romans 14:12).
God Wastes Nothing.
Even when nothing was happening, no doors were opening, and zero fruit was produced, I knew Jesus was working in me what He would eventually pour out of me (Philippians 2:13).
Callings Are Irrevocable.
Just because I did not see the “floodgates of heaven” pour out on those I ministered to did not invalidate my calling. God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable and deliberately given by Him with purpose and intentionality (Romans 11:29).
No doubt, serving Jesus in ministry can be challenging and even painful at times. But God’s Word assures us that even our suffering is never in vain. It ultimately produces perseverance, character, and hope at the end (Romans 5:3-4). So, never give up on what God has called you to do!
If you are going through one of those tough seasons, I would love to pray for you.