(Psalm 127:1)
Ours could very well be the generation that rises to meet Jesus in the air. It is time for us to reevaluate our lives and our ministries to make sure that we are where we need to be and that we are doing what we need to be doing. Satan does not mind it when we build our dreams and visions, as long as he is the head contractor. If what we are doing is not of the Spirit and directed by Him, any edifice we erect is going to fall. Satan will allow us to build, making sure that we smear God’s name all over our own dreams and visions so that when they fail, it will appear that God has failed.
When you set out to build the Kingdom, you must be sure that God is 100 percent in and behind what you are doing. How can you know this? Romans 8:14 gives the answer: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Not only is it important that you know what God’s plan is, but it is of equal importance to know when, where, and with whom He wants it accomplished.
It all goes back to that intimate relationship with God. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life—even doing the work of the ministry—and run out ahead of God. The key is to abide in Him and stay in constant contact and communion with Him. He will lead you step by step so that the timing and all of the other factors are as they need to be for a successful outcome.
It is much like the military. The troops may be told about the overall mission, but they must wait for their commanding officer to tell them when to move, where to go, and how to accomplish their specific and individual assignments. A soldier doesn’t just attend one briefing and then run off to accomplish the plan on his own. No, day by day he stays in contact with his commanding officer who coordinates the mission and leads him—and his fellow soldiers—to victory.
Whether you are an armorbearer serving the head of a ministry or you are teaching a Bible study through your local church, it is vital for you to stay in touch with headquarters. Only then can you know the master plan, stay on course, and achieve victory.
The following are some words of wisdom for you to meditate on as you reevaluate your life and ministry:
- “For we are not ignorant of his [Satan’s] devices” (2 Cor. 2:11).
- “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Cor. 11:31).
- “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23,24).
- “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers” (John 10:4,5)
Dear God, in my mind, I know it is foolishness to get ahead of You, but walking that out every day is not so simple. Show me the things I can change so that I can spend more time communing with You. Help me become more sensitive to Your voice every day so that I readily recognize and obey it. If I start to go off on my own, I ask the Holy Spirit to give me a check in my spirit, and I commit to obey You. I don’t want to build the ministry in vain. I want to be an extension of You building it so that You get all the glory. 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.