02/23/2016
I am often encouraged in ministry by reflecting upon the many ‘mistakes’ Jesus’ disciples made while learning from Him. It reminds me that success in His service is not based in my perfection or my sincerity – but in His faithfulness. He was always ‘bailing them out’ of their fear, failure, frustration, and faithless situations. Whether from the wave-tossed sea or the maid’s correct identity of Peter at the time of his betrayal – the disciples were sincerely giving their best human efforts, but soon trapped in disappointment.
I am also learning that the same enemy’s traps used to frustrate them, frustrate me. They, and I, need a different focus to remain ‘confident’ in ministry. And this encouragement never comes from my giftedness or by working harder.
Several weeks ago I was deeply discouraged and felt useless and fruitless. Our Lord graciously led me to read Psalm 139 to remind me that encouragement does not come from what I think about Him or attempt to achieve for His glory. The key to encouragement in ministry is what He thinks about me. Simple. Profound! Dynamic difference. That He EVER thinks about me is amazing! What He thinks about me is astonishing. Life changing. Energizing.
David’s heart was encouraged by how God’s thoughts about him had their origin before he was conceived. God had pre-planned his life and destined its limitations before he was born. God knew David. What overwhelming wisdom and purpose that shines into my daily experiences – both those I want to repeat and those for which I need to repent. But God never changes His purposes and always achieves His plans. That’s encouraging.
David is reminded that God knew everything about his life, his words, even his thoughts. God had focused more thoughts into David’s being than there are grains of sands on the earth. That’s a heap of information! Multiplied more than I have invested into myself. All of David’s being and becoming was already encompassed in the mystery of God’s meditation. Nothing is forgotten. Nothing is new. Nothing can ‘catch God by surprise.’ That’s encouraging. I never have to ‘instruct’ God about my personal affairs or thoughts or feelings – they are all, ALREADY history to Him before I experience them.
David knew that nothing could ever change God’s love and care for him whatever his life experiences. So he worshipped – “When I awake, I am still with You”!!!! Through the darkness of failure, disappointment, even death itself - God will never leave us nor sever His precious Presence and Peace from Him. Wow – THAT’s encouraging.
Dave was also assured that ‘the God Who knows me best loves me most’ and will never cease to “know my heart…know my anxieties…and lead me in the everlasting way!” Our Father will never leave me in the valley but always lead me through the valley into His likeness. Today, “He is acquainted with all my ways and laid His hand upon me.” Indeed, with David, I can sing “How precious are your thoughts to me, Oh God, How great is the sum of them” and I can know that all His thoughts are pledged to assure my ‘success’ and glory. What more could He do? That’s overwhelmingly encouragement and joy.
So we must learn to evaluate our life experiences by what He knows about us rather than what I know about me. That’s pure encouragement. Always.
Pastor Jim Custer
