(2 Kings 4:1-3)
Having a vision and a goal is another important part of developing longevity in ministry. The widow in this passage was left with a choice: She could obtain a lot of vessels, or she could borrow just a few. She gathered vessels and began to pour the oil. When did the oil stop? It stopped when she ran out of jars. She held the key to her miracle.
She could have said, “It is too hot today to gather jars,” or, “Elisha, I don’t feel well,” or, “I could only find one jar.”
Whatever she brought in is what she received. If she had really known what God was about to do, she could have found a dry well and said, “That is my jar!”
Elisha would have laughed, and I believe God would have laughed as well. If you do not exercise faith in life to reach a goal or vision, you will never achieve it. You are going to have to get up and work toward your goal. God will bless what you do.
When I first went on staff at Agape Church, I did not know exactly what my goal and vision were. I knew that I had a desire for the mission field, but that was all. As I was becoming part of a new church, I could not expect to be sent immediately to the mission field. So I began getting involved by just locking and unlocking the church building and getting things ready before every service.
That was a small goal, but it was still a responsibility God gave me to do. I did that for three years, until He raised up a full-time person to take over those duties. In the meantime, doors to the mission field began to open to me. You must start with what your hand finds to do. (Eccl. 9:10.)
If you will go to your pastor or church leaders and begin to serve them, the vision God has for you will begin to take shape and come to pass. Be a blessing in your local church, and you will find doors opening up in all directions. What you make happen for someone else, God will make happen for you.
Dear God, I want to do everything I can with what You’ve given me. Open my eyes to see all the avenues where I can be a blessing. As I am faithful with what my hand finds to do, I thank You for causing Your plans for me to take shape and begin to grow. Thank You for helping me to develop this key to longevity in my service to You. 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.