Responding to the Call In a Hostile Enviornment
The prophet Jeremiah was called to minister to people who had turned away from the call of God on their lives (the call to be a people set apart to Him and for Him). Although tempted to do the same, Jeremiah remained faithful and obedient to the call of God. With this in mind, share how the pressures of ministering to people who have turned away (or are turning away) from the call of God has effected you. How it has tempted you to turn away.
This has affected me personally with my spouse stepping away from ministry. I know she loves the Lord and stills wants to serve deep down inside of her but because of hurt and distrust of people she made a decision not to serve in ministry . Her decision was challenging for me because i felt like I had to chose between my spouse or serving God at LFCC. My first thought was to leave from ministry and LFCC to make her happy but God would not release me. After lots of prayer and council I decided to stay and I knew that God was going to work it out. I know that the Lord is going to use my wife in a mighty way but it’s all in God’s timing. As for me, I will continue to serve the Lord with our Pastors, Leaders and our church LFCC.
Thanks for sharing Danny. I can somewhat relate. It can be frustrating when you know God has something great for your spouse and great for the both of you but they just choose to not serve God to their fullest potential. I often have responded out of that frustration but slowly learning that it’s better to lead by example because I can’t force my spouse. And when I stand before God he will ask me what I did with the gift (call) he gave me and not our gift (our call). No matter what I still have a calling to answer.
My brother, DIT Danny,
Thank you for sharing this sensitive and vulnerable area in your life. I am thankful for your press to continue to serve our God. Your press encourages me and several others. Because of your press the kingdom is better. Because of you press lives are being transformed, your family is getting healed and delivered. Because of your press in God, we (the body of Christ) are still able to be more effectively and efficiently in the kingdom of God. Continue to press my brother and finish strong. Once again thank you for sharing and serving our Lord and Savior.
Because of His Love,
Richard
I once became tempted to turn away from God’s call on my life quite a few years ago. It was deeply personal for me as my brother who was rooted in the church experienced separation and then divorce. Even though he is my younger brother, I looked upon his call as an example of how God is working in the life of someone just (well, almost )like me. After witnessing the initial onset of hard-heartedness within him , I began to feel like”Why should I continue to follow God?, look at what is happening to my brother”. I realized that I needed to keep sharing the gospel as best as I was able to at the time. It was not for his sake , but for mine. My brother had stopped working in ministry, and eventually going to church all together.
He would resume attending services within a years time. I may not be able take full credit for his resumption to his call. However, I do believe I did play a small part though. When I found myself in a struggle, I reflected on the similarities of our challenges and the power of God throughout both of our lives. ……He is a keeper!
We serve a prayer-answering God, and His grace and mercy abounds.
Lord, Thank you for the blessings which brings about the peace from your faithfulness to us.
To simply state, I have been tempted to turn away because of my fleshly desires. The ministering to people has been challenging for me, I could say it was originated from my misguided cultural and misperception of ministry. I did not see clearly God’s order in ministry growing up, I witnessed the clergy being dishonorable to God, their spouse, and their call. So, what am I saying, I grew up seeing my family (Dad, Mom, sisters, uncles, aunties, and even cousins) appointed by God but leaving in sin. I grew up seeing my called family members preach and worship the word of God in the house of God, and leave the place of worship and open the doors of hell (allegorically speaking) from the double minded attitude and works. I questioned God how they were able to praise God and lift their hands to God then the next moment be cussing up a storm and drinking like drunks, but they are still being used in His kingdom but not effectively as God desires. This was much of defilement to God but I was caught up in it; I could be moved emotionally in a worship service but confused in my spirit; this cultural viewpoint twisted my perception from being called to walking in my calling, because what they were doing was not right.
Now consider this, early in my Christian walk, as I was being the same old hypocritical person that I grew up seeing, but I could not see my sin, I could see where it was wrong. Just say I originally could not even diagnose with intelligibility when God revealed this cultural misconception to me; it became a struggle to confront and guide my immediate family (wife and kids) correctly. BUT then a turning point comes from me dealing with my hidden sin – the cover up that I had attempted to not tell anybody. But God who knows it all revealed it to my lovely bride and thus begin my true-life transformation. God had affected my life for I could be effective in this hostile environment. God allowed me to recognize and acknowledge my families struggle (sin) as well as reveal to me that I am even more flawed. Flawed by my cultural, flawed by my perception of life, and simple stated, flawed as a man of God. With me acknowledging, confronting, and dealing with my flaws, God has produced my ability to speak to these pressure-cooking moments of life. The moments of pressure in ministry, where my flesh desires to lead me; lead me to be flawed, lead me to NOT be a minister of Gospel, lead me to just leave the world behind me – BUT then I hear and fell the pressing of God tell me to stop being a knuckle head and MAN UP – be who I have called you to be. Do not allow your cultural to define you, but allow the spirit of God to build you up!
Because of His Love,
Richard
Responding to the Call in a Hostile Environment brings me to the remembrance of dealing with some of my fellow Chiefs while in the Navy. It was not so much of dealing with those who have turned away but it was dealing with those who said they believed in God and would even attend church services on board the ship but was turning from God based on their lifestyle of living two lives. Many of them would run amuck when were out at sea on deployment. You could not tell there were Christians by their conduct. When they were home they were into the church and their family. But when we went out to sea, they changed. Now I would check many of them on their behavior, not harshly but with love and would pray with them and for them. I even had to pull myself away from some because of their attitudes and their double mindedness when it came to God and their spiritual walk.
At one point it was really hard for me because I had looked up to one of them because at this time he was a licensed minister. For the sake of the innocent I won’t mention their name. I would warn them about their behavior and say things to them to remind them who they were in God, to remind them of their calling but to no avail they continued their reckless behavior until it caught up to them. They were caught in an adulterous affair fraternizing with a younger sailor of a lower rank. When it came to light he was shun and ostracized by our fellow Chiefs. Who some just a month ago was cheering his exploits, now would not even talk with him. During this time I continued to walk with him, consoling and praying with him. Along with having to deal with the aftermath of his actions with his wife, he was forced to retire early. It was so bad for him that he even contemplated suicide.
As I looked back I found myself feeling sometimes guilty because I thought to myself I could have done more to stop the train wreck from happening. I saw it shaping and I warned him and although I suspected he had crossed the line and approach him and never told anyone else. So not only was I jeopardizing my career because as a Navy leader I am expected to let someone knew when things our being done wrong. But I cast it off as I didn’t have proof and at times justifying by saying “It aint my business”. There were times I would actually have him come out with us on the liberty, doing community events and sightseeing. But to many in the Chief Mess, I was considered the “goody two shoe” Chief. You know the one that comes to the table to sit down for chow and the conversations stops because they were having gutter conversations about partying with the opposite sex. Now I have to tell you this was happening from both sides of the aisle – men and women who seem to forget they were a child of God. Sometimes I felt isolated and lonely but then there was always someone like me who was trying to walk like they talk of a God fearing man.
Minister Bobbitt,
First off, thank you for sharing. You have shared a sobering point that allows us to recognize how we are not reactive towards warnings of God, but God shows us how we can be. I am thankful how you was able to recognize the warning about their behavior that now it makes you intentional to not sit and watch from the side, but now you are intentional and purposeful to hold men and women of God accountable, no matter the label you receive – you are doing it until God not men. And you are being an awesome example unto our God.
Because of His Love,
Richard
So I experience this mostly with my family. I am often criticized for how I rear my children, gave up my profession to stay home, my children aren’t in day care, How I cook mostly daily, or even the fact that my family is heavily involved in church. I can even remember being told once I had my daughter that it was time for me to leave the church to the singles and focus on my life as a wife (Clutches pearls). I soon realized that what they had such issue with spoke more so to their issue within themselves and how they continued to turn from God or better yet no answer the call. It has challenged me because I struggled for a while with giving up my personal goals and understanding how it would all come together later in life. At one point I was tempted to leave what God has called me to in this season of my life just to appease family and their disapproval of me making what I consider to be such a vitally important sacrifice. Though I try to minister to my family with my choice to obey God I often felt discouraged because I wanted their approval. Nevertheless, that never happened lol! So I just continue to walk out this aspect of my call recognizing that many won’t agree.
Krystal,
Thank you for sharing! I know that for me being a SAHM(stay at home mom) was NEVER in the cards, but now that I have a child I see how vitally important that is! I applaud you for putting your dreams on hold (because your personal goals can still be goals later, you don’t have to give them up), I know it’s not easy because I have done the same. It’s hard to justify to people who don’t understand, but you doing it girl! I am encouraged by you everyday! Thank you for following God the way you do!
Love, Allie
Thank you Allie! And knowing that people (you specifically) is another case in point why my obedience is important. My choice to not do what God has said will literally effect everyone attached to me and my children.
I tried to help some of my {friends} that were hypocrites. I was new to being saved and the things I saw I knew did not line up with the word of God. I was hanging on to them but God separated me. I did not get the thought in my mind to walk away from God because I was hungry for the Lord and I wanted to live my life pleasing to God. Even during my first marriage which was a nightmare daily I kept pushing into the things of God. I was fooled on several occasions thinking he was trying to get right with the Lord only to contend with my body suffering from STDS. My faithfulness to God, I felt during my marriage had an impact on him but he needed a deliverance from a lust demon.
My firmness to stick with a thing was my mind set even before I got saved. I had my first child at the age of 16 and I promised my mother I would be married before I have another child. So a mind to walk away from God never was an option. I am not saying I never had some problems that would make one feel like walking away from God but to me, my chances for survival as a child of the Most High God would have been hopeless doing it without God. When I look back on my life, I know for a fact I would have died from AIDS like my first husband. I was so in love with him and believed everything he said. I think God for saving me.
I’ve had to deal with this fairly recently. I was asked why I don’t play secular events or music and I responded by saying I need to make some changes for this next season of my life. I was later asked in the same conversation if a famous secular artist offered me a good amount of money if I would take the gig. To be honest I pondered it, even though my immediate response should’ve been no, but I still responded and said no. He respected my response and proceeded to tell me that I have the talent to be playing anywhere and with whoever I wanted to. I thought about that and was saddened because that was what I wanted. But in pursuing my call and seeing how the changes I’ve made in my life have been great for my self development and also my family has made it all worth it.
Clay this reminds me of when the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain to show him all the kingdoms and their splendor and told him he would give him all of if he bowed down and worshiped him in Matthew 4. God honors your commitment and honesty that it can still be a struggle. But you play for the most famous person ever whose pay outweighs a paycheck.
I really don’t think that I have ever experienced this. Most of my family were/are Christians that lived a life that bore that fruit. Even amongst my friends, almost all of them are Christians as well. I rarely get push back when I mention Christ or how I am following my call, so to say I have experienced a secular pressure on my call would not be true. I would imagine that it would be hard as I am watching my husband go through it right now with his decision to stop playing secular music and gigs. I can see how it would be tempting because the world offers some pretty incentives, but they are only fleeting. I pray that if I ever experience this I am able to rise up and follow Christ as He would have me.
This question weighed heavy on me because I did turn away from God. It seems life would be Better if I made the people around me Happy. Second point I tried with everything in me to raise God fearing young adults. But some of the choices my young adults are making do not give God any Glory.
Then my Mother side of the family ask me why do I have to be at the church so much. Why do I miss so many family functions. Church don’t take all of that
Then with my marriage, my job, the health of Mr. Bruce and financial issues seems it would be easier to give up.
But God called me for a time like this. My Faith, My Worship and My Love of The Lord will not allow me to give up. God gave me some Promises years ago and I will Stand On The Word of God. So Father God I am Moving Forward on The Call of my Life!
In His Service
Yolanda
As a Deacon I’ve ministered to people who made the choice to walk away no matter what was said or done,but none that came even close to making me think about turning away from my call. I gave my life back to Chirst with the determination that nothing and one would.
My experiences while ministering is feeling like I’m not strong enough in communicating what to say and how to say it without being Judgmental. I have hard time with worrying about how people will feel
when I’m speaking truth through the word of GOD. Especially when it comes to family. I don’t want to hurt feelings or lose a relationship. My thought process of turning away due to what I’m going through in my own life. I have asked God what are the lessons that I’m not learning and, how can I be an effective witness of Christ? God is showing me every day not to be so consumed in my self in what Im going through and let God handle my circumstances.
I’ve felt resistance from fellow Christians and family members that knew how they should live, that knew the call of God on their lives, but refuse to submit to the plan of God on their lives.
At one point in my walk with God, I felt defeated and ineffective and almost completely stopped witnessing to others about Christ. I knew this was an attack from the enemy to intimidate me because I was making an impact of the lives of those God places around me. The rejection I felt from others produced a spirit of timidity that nearly shut down my witness. I realized this was an attack of the enemy and so I asked God to helped me to regain my voice, give me greater wisdom, and rebuild my confidence in him and myself.
God answered my prayers and made me become stronger in those areas. Now I don’t have an issue with telling others what God has put in my heart to say. I love them too much and I am willing to hold them accountable. I dont want their blood to be on my hands.
The prophet Jeremiah was called to minister to people who had turned away from the call of God on their lives (the call to be a people set apart to Him and for Him). Although tempted to do the same, Jeremiah remained faithful and obedient to the call of God. With this in mind, share how the pressures of ministering to people who have turned away (or are turning away) from the call of God has effected you. How it has tempted you to turn away.
I have been here at this LFCC since 2012. I have seen many have left the church at my old LFCC Oak Harbor. It was hard for me to see and hear about many “pillars”, i thought, have left the church. It makes me question my calling. I would ask myself, “did i get the wrong teaching”? “What happened?” Just seeing many that have left, hurt my heart. This pressure allows me to examine my calling and my heart.
Since i have been here, seeing what i have seen, experiencing the new territory, challenged with many sisters, i have thought many times wanting to leave LFCC. Every year since 2012, at the end of the year, i would be challenged with so many negative thoughts, seeing what was going on in the church, different teaching, conflict with others, seeing members leave, felt like i do not belong, made me wanted to leave. My pride would rise up, anger would surface, resentment forming, the condition of my heart was not righteous, the hurt i experienced in the church, i wanted to leave. I wanted to quit! I would be so ready for the new year but toward the end of the year around fall season, it’s like something changed within me. I was seeing things that i could not understand. Holding grudges, not forgiving, my eyes was distorted, my heart was full of stuff.
It’s not until a few years ago, i do not remember the year, i told myself i was not going to quit! I was determined to get my healing, my breakthrough, my deliverance, and my freedom. BUT i thank God for Pastors helping me through the process into it all. They walked me through the hurt and pain and the areas i was challenged with.
Even now, i have to be very cautious to not allow what i see or hear detour me to step out of God’s will and purpose for my life. I know i have a high calling over my life. I am so grateful He saw me worthy to call me for such as time as this. I must remain Faithful without wavering.
Being in the community with The Heart of Giving is challenging on a daily basis. I see so many negative things in the community, the lack of faith in the people, the atheist, the Buddhist, the Muslim, the unbelievers, the Christians who does not go to church, the Christians who knows the word but can’t tell them nothing, the Christians in the political arena, the political environment, etc. I MUST stand firm on God. I can not quit. I have to press daily to represent Christ in the work area. Calling on His name so others can hear. Giving God praise before all men. Listening to gospel music to change the atmosphere. Keeping God in the forefront of my mind that i refuse to let others or what i see to make me want to quit, the purpose God has for me. It’s not about me but about Him. Today, i can not afford to quit. Everyday I NEED HIM to keep me!