Anytime I read about John the baptist, I see the hand of God in his life in a strange way. Here was a man whose ministry headquarter was in the wilderness yet the whole nation sought for him. He was a voice in the nation of Israel but he stayed in the wilderness. Everyone went there to meet him.

He could have relocated from the wilderness and move to the city centre where he'll get more visibility but this man understood that visibility with the arms of the flesh and human strategy is not equal to ministry success and impact. He knew that If God did not announce a man, he might be in a good location yet he won't be seen.

The wilderness was his place of primary assignment not the city. Have you found yours? The emphasis on success and visibility is almost drowning the emphasis on being at the centre of God's will. Back in the days, we heard so much about being in God's will but that message is scarce now.

Today, not many preachers will accept to cite their ministry in a village or in unknown towns. Everyone prefers to go to the urban areas where they can be seen and heard. While that is good, we must be sure we are in line with God's plan and purpose for our lives.

The emphasis on being in a strategic location has taken some out of God's will for their lives. They want to be where it is happening. Some left where God want them to be to a faraway town,city or country thinking their lot will be better only to realize they are not getting fulfilled in that new location.

Since the day we redefined success in ministry as having plenty money, big churches and large following, a lot of ministers missed the very essence of ministry and started chasing after shadows. The pursuit of God's will was shown the exit door.

For instance, in Nigeria, some believe you cannot succeed in ministry( by their own definition of success) except you are in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan or Port Harcourt. I noticed preachers in places outside these locations are trying to move their ministries to any of these cities. While some are called to do so but many are driven by the desire for visibility which comes with more money, large following and prominence.

Beware of stepping out of your place of primary assigment. You might become famous and rich wherever you go outside God's will but you will not be fulfilled and your impact will not be eternal. We are talking about John the baptist today, centuries after he died because he stayed where God put him.

Stay in your place of primary assignment.