(Galatians 6:9)
One day a man came into my office, which is really nice with a beautiful view of a small mountain right behind my desk.
“Well,” he said, “how does it feel to be a big man with a huge desk, leather chairs, and a view like you’ve got there?”
Thank the Lord I was in a good mood. People have no idea what it took to get to that place, although most staff ministers can relate to my feelings.
To answer the man’s question, it feels today exactly as it felt in 1979, when my office had pea-green carpet, an army surplus desk, and a small window with a view of the back of a drug store. Did I complain? Heavens, no! My pastor had a door laid over two small filing cabinets for a desk. I was thrilled just to be able to say to someone, “Come into my office.” It was ugly, but it was my office, the first real one I had ever had. I had “birthed” it in the spirit in prayer, and I was as happy and proud of it as I could be.
The Spirit of God may be ministering to you right now because you are at the place of giving up in your ministry. Please don’t! Get into the Word and start rejoicing in what you have been blessed with. Put your future into God’s hands. Remember, David was faithful to Saul, and look how God exalted him.
One day it seemed like everything in the world was coming against me. I was discouraged. I felt left out. It seemed that God was just going to have to move me on. But I cried out to God for help and picked up my Bible, which fell open to Ephesians 5:17–19: “Be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is….Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
As I read that passage, the Lord quickened the word “making” to me. Son, He said, a piano makes beautiful music only when someone plays it. The joy, peace, and assurance you need is there, but you have to make the melody come forth. Get up and start dancing before Me.
I did not feel like doing it, but I obeyed in faith and started leaping and jumping for joy, praising God. As I did so, the anointing broke the yoke of oppression.
If you are under a spirit of oppression, before you go any further, get up and start rejoicing. You are set free in Jesus’ name. This is God’s will for you right now.
Whether you are discouraged or not, the following are good principles to follow to walk in victory:
- Have an attitude of gratitude for the good things God has blessed you with.
- Renew your commitment to be faithful where God has you. Encourage yourself with God’s promises regarding the rewards for faithfulness, including the text verse.
- Follow David’s example and rejoice in the Lord as an act of your will. Say Psalm 34:1–6 and Psalm 103:1–5 out loud so that you, God, and the devil can hear it.
Dear God, You know how things are for me right now. At times, it seems like the only answer is for me to leave, but even if that were Your will, I refuse to leave feeling like this. I refuse to quit. If You move me on, fine, but it will be after I gain the victory over this oppression. I put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. I will sing and dance and rejoice until the anointing begins to flow and this yoke of oppression is broken. Thank You, Father, for always causing me to triumph. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.