My husband and I served in pastoral ministry for thirty-three years. There were certainly difficult times, but we regularly reminded ourselves that we were called by God. Remembering why we were doing what we were doing was key to not throwing in the towel at times. On more than one occasion I told God, “I quit!”
It was a Sunday morning, and the building was full. I was the worship leader and Gaylon was the preacher. Before the service started, I walked around a very full building, greeting those who had come to worship that day. As I approached a woman to say good morning to her, she asked if she could speak to me privately. I only had a minute, but I obliged her request.
“Lisa” began to tell me what was on her heart. She said to me, “I need your forgiveness.” My mind began to race because I did not know there was an issue between us. “Lisa” continued, “I pay tithes to this church, and when I see the nice clothes you wear, I resent it. It’s like I am paying for the clothes you wear. I have a hard time making ends meet and yet you have nice clothes, a nice home, and a good husband. Forgive me for my attitude, please.”
I was shaken, and truthfully, I wanted to give her a piece of my mind. Almost instantly I sensed God speaking to me, “Remember why you are here. Did you come to worship and bring others into my presence, or did you come to argue with a woman?”
As I walked towards the platform to lead worship that day, every step was difficult. I was a bit shaken! I was upset! I had to push through hurt feelings and another believer to take my place as a servant of God. I thought, “How can I possibly lead this service today?” I felt tears were about to spill onto my face. I kept taking steps to fulfill the call of God on my life that day. As I walked to the front of that church, step by step I walked in divine purpose.
I stepped up to the microphone and began that worship service like all others – with a voice of praise to the One who deserves it. As I began to worship and the people began to worship, God’s Spirit did a mighty thing in me and in that building on that day. It was a memorable service that I can still recall many years later.
Many have walked away from God because it got hard, or people hurt them. On a human level that is so understandable. However, I say to you what I felt God said to me that Sunday morning, “Remember why you are here.” Remember the Savior who died to forgive you. Remember the God who loves you. Remember the One who has changed your life. Remember why you are here.
(Just a little word of advice – if you are thinking bad thoughts about someone and you need to unload it, unload it at the foot of the cross. Ask God’s forgiveness and invite His healing. Do not dump it on someone else! SELAH)
Too often we allow people to steal the freedom God has given us. On that Sunday morning, I could have let it be about “Lisa” and what she said to me, or I could let it be about God’s purpose for my life. Dear child of God, you are His. He saved you on purpose and for purpose. Don’t let anyone or anything persuade you from that! Press through to Him! Remember why you started.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17