I’ve been suffering lately.
Two ministry projects got off the ground then stalled after limited growth. One has been going for two years, another for less than a year.
But, six weeks ago one “popped” with surprising growth and held it. The other did the same last week. Very nice. But, what if I’d followed the advice of the person who told me that neither would grow and that they weren’t worth the time, effort and money we poured into them?
Well, for one thing, a lot of people would have been hurt and disappointed over losing a part of their lives that they found meaningful. It is helpful to focus on who shows up rather than on who doesn’t.
Another loss would have been to see the Lord do his thing in our midst. Patience is a virtue and God seems to really like it–else why does he seem sometimes slow to act? What if we would have thrown in the towel one week before God decided to “add to his church?” We’d have missed his purpose and any further blessings he has in store for us.
This brings me to a larger thesis: “Long tenures are productive.” By that I mean sticking to a project or position long enough that you are still standing there when the heavens start to rain blessings.
Churches that rotate pastors often seldom grow. People who try to time the stock markets seldom profit from them. Everything worthwhile takes time. Not just intense time, but time over time.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Ken Fong // Jul 22, 2009 at 1:33 pm
As someone who’s been at the same church since 1978, I know firsthand how God values long tenures, Ralph. Not just to be there when things really start popping, but to be transformed in critical ways during the long, hard years, too. One really can’t begin to appreciate the harvest until one has labored long and hard in that field.
2 JoDee Hunt // Jul 23, 2009 at 12:05 pm
long enough that you are still standing there when the heavens start to rain blessings.
that is a great way to phrase what I always say– you can “move” too soon and miss the answer or blessing entirely! who knows besides God when it will happen……..
3 Kai // Aug 3, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I am a recovering drug addict. I will be making 3 years clean October 1st 2009. I can say as a matter of fact that as long as I keep doing the things that I’m doing (praising God, going to church 2x’s a week reading His word, N/A 12 step study group, having a home group, living in a clean and sober enviourment and going to meetings every day) I’ll keep getting what I’m getting now. That is not picking up that 1st drug or drink everytime i have some kind of crises in my life. The worst thing that I could do is to leave the fellow ship thinking that I got this thing called addiction beat and can now move out on my own. God has givin me another chance in life and I need to wait on Him. Every day I put on my armour and go out and do battle with God at the front. I have nothing to fear.
4 Mary Yannell // Sep 24, 2009 at 10:04 am
Hi Ralph,
I’ve been suffering lately too. The devil has really been testing me and the minisry that we want to grow! It’s been exciting and challenging at the same time and I’ve wanted to throw in the towel to end the pain and frustrations of growing closer to God. The devil attacted my friends and every time we moved forward an inch, he moved us backwards a foot. I’ve been blessed with angels and this scripture means a lot to me. “I am sending an angel ahead of you, who will protect you as you travel. He will lead you to the place I have prepared” (Exodus 23:20) God Bless you and thank you for your prayers.
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