04/11/2025
THINGS I LEARNT ALONG THE WAY: DOING MINISTRY IN YOUR MISERY.
One of the most challenging time for me in ministry was last year when a callous demonic storm crushed our church building(Marquee tent).
I have shared the story few times on this platform, only the word of God and prayers sustained me during the time.
While I was trusting God for a wayout, a dear senior friend reached out to me about the challenges he was going through, I was about telling him what happened to me when the Holyspirit reminded me of a sermon by my mentor, Dr Segun Tremendous Oshinaga, do ministry in your misery.
I encouraged him even visited him.
I went to Ilorin to minister for my brother and friend, Rev'd Ezekiel Prosper joyfuly even when I knew what was waiting for me at home.
That evening in Ikorodu, Lagos, I was gazing at the bill from the site engineer, praying and speaking that God sends help.
I was surprised to receive a long message from another colleague, there was a storm in their vicinity, their makeshift church was swept off, I remembered that sermon again.
I prayed with him and encouraged him as God helped me, I couldn't even mention it to him.
I would call everyday to follow up on the work until they completed it.
He was so surprised when I posted the testimonies of how God helped us with the building.
Around July, another spoke to me about the challenges their ministry was going through, everyday I would bow my knee.
Few days ago, he shared with me how God showed up for them, gave them a bigger land and has almost completed the new auditorium
In the midst of your challenges don't hold back your hand to doing ministry to others.
I discovered that each time I ministered to them, I got solutions to what I was passing through.
There were prayers I prayed for them which later became my prayers.
Some prayers I prayed, I had to pray for them too.
The wisdom I shared with them, I later apply to my situation.
While sharing, you're soaring.
Do you now understand Proverbs 11:25?
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
In your misery, do ministry, wisdom and power flows to us when we flow to others.
God isn't moved by your tears rather by your faith.
Faith doesn't keep quiet and it keeps living and speaking.
God doesn't ignore the man doing His ministry especially in the midst of life's misery.
If this blesses you share it wirh brethren.
Blessings.
AT Joel
