Little Worship Boy! … transforming lives through the work of the Spirit into fully developing followers of Christ

Are you living in a fantasy or a GOD-commissioned reality?

I had an encouraging conversation with friends last night—friends, who for some time have been hurting and struggling with finding balance and purpose in their lives. Religion kills, and these friends have been through the ministry wringer as it were and I for a time have sensed the internal struggle that was going on. However, I have not been sure how to help, other than pray and be available.

No one likes painful experiences and everyone wants to hurry through the uncomfortable circumstances as quickly as possible! Sometimes lessons can only be learned by slowly walking through the fire. Often it’s in those fires that we begin to question everything—our purpose, our calling, our lives—only to emerge on the other side with greater understanding and resolve about all of these things.

For me, the last few months in Florida were a difficult fire I had to endure. And, the month of September was a difficult month of trying to comprehend what it is that FATHER is doing with us. BUT, I have emerged from the last few months with a peace about who I am in CHRIST and what it is that HE has given me to do. My mission has not changed—only the setting.

My authority does not come from any popular vote of the people, nor does it come through appointment of some human higher-up. It comes directly from JESUS the MESSIAH and GOD the FATHER, who raised HIM from the dead. I’m GOD-commissioned. So, I greet you with grace and peace! We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we’re in by offering HIMSELF as a sacrifice for our sins. GOD would that we all experience that rescue!

GOD has called us each to that same sort of sacrificial living. That means surrendering ALL of our life to HIS purposes. Even our dreams belong to HIM. That doesn’t mean we can’t have dreams. BUT we must be willing to accept a difficult reality in place of the dream if GOD so asks it of us. Stubbornly hiding in a fantasy world—a make believe reality of what you want your life to look like or your ministry to be—is ministry porn according to @edstetzer! He says, “It’s a fantasy that ain’t ever going to happen and it ultimately distracts from the real thing GOD is doing.”

Live in the here and now reality! Don’t exchange walking with the FATHER for a fantasy make believe world of your own doing! Paul to the Galatians said, “When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from CHRIST, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile you expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the SPIRIT.”

Friends, ministry is a tough place. Living in this reality is not an easy thing. Don’t give up! Hang on. That relationship with the SPIRIT is worth every hardship! AND, your FAHTER has a deeper purpose and plan for you and HE will use the difficulties (you might at this moment be grasping to comprehend) for your greater good!

Hold tight to the things you know to be true. Daily align your heart with HIS. And just be available to be about the things HE has made you for. Eventually, you will emerge from the fog and GOD will provide you some perspective. Doesn’t mean your reality will be any different. BUT, your heart will be, I promise!

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