The Battle
A few years ago, my good friend and then senior pastor of Providence Baptist Church Larry Miller, asked me to serve as his associate pastor. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. My response to him was that I would certainly pray for God’s direction. Not feeling very confident in my own abilities, I also told him that he could count on one thing – “I would no doubt make mistakes, but that I would not make them sitting the boat.”
After considerable reflection of the past 10 years, I have made a lot of mistakes in ministry! I did step out of the boat and onto the water, and like Peter, I took a few steps and began to sink, and it feels like I have been sinking ever since. I sometimes feel like I have caused more harm than good.
I would struggle daily with despondency and doubts as to whether I heard God right. Satan whispering in my ear that I am not worthy to serve the Lord in ministry. Of course, it was not always Satan trying to discourage me, my own flesh warred against me. It’s a daily conflict for the battle ground of my mind.
The Promise
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
I plunge into daily battle with my sword – the word of God. It’s in His word that victory is won. It’s the absolute promises of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that gets me through the daily trials and tribulations of life – no matter how much ground it appears that I am losing – I am victories through the blood of Christ! Knowing the promise that Jesus began his good work in me when I made him the Lord of my life, will complete his work in me and through me until I see him face to face.
Alētheia: Truth 