KEEP ON MINISTERING, THE MISERY WILL SOON BE OVER

Early in ministry, I had some painful experiences that discouraged me but the counsel, comfort and encouragement of the Spirit helped me in no small measure.

There was a time in my life when I was expecting God to grant a particular desire. That period, I prayed for those with similar desire and prayer requests. They all got answers but mine was held.

It was discouraging seeing those I prayed for share testimonies whereas I was suffering what they suffered before God answered their prayers. I almost abandoned praying for people.

If you've never been there, you may not understand. In the process of time, I discovered that being in ministry doesn't make me a superman. Ministry doesn't confer immunity against the challenges of life.

Speaking about Jesus, the writer of Hebrew says, "though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered" ( Hebrews 5:8).

Also, I realized the power at work in me is not mine but God's. The anointing is primarily for his people and for ministry. I will need faith to get my desires as well.

The minister that ministers to others, needs ministration from other ministers in other to keep ministering to others effectively just as the fuel station selling fuel also need fuel to keep selling fuel according to Bishop Irabor Wisdom.

As a minister you may have or face thesame challenges with the people you're ministering to and still minister to them till they get out of their misery. This is one of the test to prove your calling.

Have you ever considered the life and times of Zechariah and Elizabeth in the bible? Zechariah and Elizabeth had delay in child bearing for a long time.

As a priest that he was, i'm sure he encouraged, counseled and prayed with families trusting God for the fruit of the womb. He dedicated several babies and his wife( mummy G.O.) played an active role in naming the babies yet daddy and mummy G.O.had no child.

This challenge didn't deter Zechariah from performing his priestly duties. In fact, the day he had an angelic visitation announcing the birth of John the baptist, he was discharging his temple duties faithfully ( Luke 1:8-10).

Elijah needed food like everyone during the famine yet he didn't stop ministering until he met the widow who was as hungry as he was yet he faithfully discharged heaven's expectation of him in ministry.

Read Paul: "But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,... as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things" ( 2 Cor 6:4, 9-10 KJV).

What about Christ? Even while on the cross, during moments of excruciating pains, he granted the request of the thief who desired forgiveness and salvation( Luke 23:43).

Dear minister, do not let your misery deter you from your ministry. You are not the first and will never be the last. You're human and not superhuman.

We weren't promised a life that is free from challenges. What Christ promised in his word is victory ( John 16:33).

Sometimes, the mantle you carry may trigger a 'matter' that may make you doubt your calling. There are great deliverance ministers facing tough demonic battles.

There are ministers who flow easily in the healing anointing yet they are nursing a disease. There are prophets who see things to come about others but are in the dark about Satan's next move about their life and ministry.

All these are Satan's ploy to discourage and make ministers quit ministry.

Your 'matter' doesn't invalidate your mantle. Your problems doesn't cancel your calling.

In crisis, keep serving the purpose of Christ in your generation. Never allow your misery to destroy your ministry.

It will be over soon. I see you sharing your testimony.