Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. KJV
Recently, I thought about the little time I've spent in field ministry and how we began, I can say that it has been God all the way. After my National Youth Service Corps, I decided to find a place to pray when I returned home. On my way to the prayer mountain, I decided to stop mid way because it was getting late. I didn't want to enter the village hosting the prayer mountain at night. I decided to call a cousin whom I thought I could stay with till the next day. Unfortunately, he said he wasn't around. However, he gave me the address of a hotel for lodging. While I was in that hotel, he sent a lady to give me some money. I opened my door to collect the money from the girl but I didn't allow her in.
Later, he called to ask if I 'checked' the girl he sent. I knew what he meant so I told him "No". He asked where I was traveling to and the purpose of my trip. I told him I was going to the prayer mountain to spend time alone with God. He began to tell me why I shouldn't go into the ministry at my age and how his friend's younger brother had his Masters in England. When he saw that I was resolute in my mind, he said: "You will be popular. We'll see you on t.v.but you won't have money". Those words slapped me in the ears. Early in the ministry, anytime I don't have money on me, those words kept coming back to me. However, I decided to press on with the vision God gave me. There were times I attempted to quit. I told myself I can run the ministry by handing it over to someone else while I give instructions from another part of the world.
Dearest, hardship, opposition and dissenting voices are one of the things that accompany a great vision. Ask Paul. Sometimes, they are the confirmation you need that you're on track. If everyone around you accept your vision and give full support, I doubt if you're running with a heavenly vision. Even Jesus Christ, his opposition came from religious leaders who should have embraced his ministry based on prophecy. It was lay people that believed in his vision and followed him. When God gives a vision, it unsettles the norm in the minds of people. Some will genuinely counsel you out of Gods plan for your life but they're not speaking by the Spirit of God. It behoove on you to be sure of what you heard from God and the blue print he gave to you. Stick to it. You cannot fulfill a kingdom vision unless you have what I call "I'll die there" mentality.
CONFESSION: I refuse to look back. I refuse to subscribe to the popular or common trend. I walk by the Spirit's leading. I choose to stay in God's plan and purpose for my life in Jesus name.