New Direction

I don't know about you, but there have been times I've found myself admiring a person's ministry. So much so, that I have been guilty of taking my eyes off what the Lord was doing in my life, and more focused on theirs. Clearly this is not the Lord's Will for us. We're all different, called to minister in different areas, none being more important than the other. It's the Lord's work. That's what we should be about. Doing His work. 1 Cor. 12:14-20.

It should become evident to us that a ministry is "on target" when we see it bearing fruit. This would clearly indicate that they're doing something right, as the evidence of growth is there. On the other hand, if the ministry we're involved in is not growing, not bearing fruit, and has been on-going for a number of years, we might want to ask the Lord if we need to change directions, and quite possibly if the people working with us actually share our vision. This certainly doesn't mean we've failed. Why do we sometimes assume a change of direction means we've missed the Lord? Could it be that the "season ended" on the particular ministry/project/vision that we were involved in? Would that be a bad thing? Not at all! This could actually be a change of direction, which can be exciting, if we will see this new path in our journey through the eyes of the Lord.

I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that no growth, as well as an on-going battle to finance our vision just may not be the Lord's plan. Could it be that what was initially the Lord's plan, veered off and became our plan? That can happen with even the most seasoned Christians. If that's the case, don't give in to discouragement. Rest assured that the Lord will open up an opportunity for you.

Seek the Lord's guidance in any ministry you feel the Lord is calling you to, and wait for confirmation from Him. Don't get caught up in NOT seeking counsel from those whom you know are wise in the Lord. There are already too many Christian leaders who are too puffed up to go to others, within the body, for prayer regarding what they believe the Lord may be calling them to do. Proverbs 12:15. Oh, and if there's a need to "control," allow me to assure you that the Lord can, and will, help you break that. He wants to be in control.

In closing, be encouraged if you feel that a door has been closed. Your Father is still on the job! He's got another door for you. Remember you're on a journey. You'll encounter many forks in the road, closed, as well as opened doors, opportunities for ministry, and life lessons along the way. He is good !!