For the past several weeks, I have seen several friends and ministry colleagues come under serious spiritual attack. While each circumstance is different, they are all trusting God for the next steps after seeing dreams become shattered pieces of what could’ve or should’ve been.
Earlier this week, I read a passage of scripture that made me ponder the feeling of defeat. The passage was Isaiah 5:1-7.
“What more could I have done to cultivate a rich harvest?
Why did my vineyard give me wild grapes when I expected sweet ones?”
Isaiah 5:4
Have you been in a place like that, a place of disappointment and heartbreak? Have you wondered why all of your hard work returned a ‘loss’ rather than a ‘win’? I have, both personally and professionally. After all, none of us work to fail. We invest and work hard to see results – favorable results.
One thing that I remind my children’s ministry team is that while we can plant the seed, it’s up to God to grow it in His time. We might not see the results right away; we may never see the results. But that doesn’t mean that we should give up.
If you feel like throwing in the towel because an event that took weeks of planning flopped, leaders that you invested in turned against you, a door was closed, you don’t get the recognition that you feel you deserve, you were removed from a cherished ministry position or job, the child you raised in the church is no longer interested in following Christ, or you aren’t as far along in life as you thought you should be, don’t give up. Be encouraged: God will give you the strength you need to endure every season of your life, the highs and the lows. Lean into Him, do what He has called you to do and trust Him for the results.
What are you trusting God for right now? Do you believe that He has your best interest at heart?
