Unlike Elijah, I have, by no means, ever thought that I am God's only servant; and definitely not the only one indwelled with the gift of prophecy. Therefore, when I come across a word that serves to strengthen us in our Spiritual assignments, I am moved to share. I don't recall where I found the following text, so I can't give the author due credit. Nevertheless, it blessed me, and I pray that it will bless and strengthen you in your prophetic assignment as well.
DIFFICULTIES PROPHETS FACE
Difficulties with other people: Prophets have to face being despised by priests and other 'professionals'; being opposed by false prophets; being rejected by familiar friends and by one's own family.
Difficulties in handling God's prophetic word. Prophets must: speak only what God has really given; not a watered down version of God's Word to make it more acceptable; uphold the authority of the scriptures; and be prepared to bring the same message over and over again.
Difficulties in their own thoughts: Prophets must (a) be patient and wait confidently for the fulfilment of God's prophetic Word; (b) allow critics to call them 'traitors' to their country or a particular viewpoint, trusting God to vindicate them and (c) accept the fact that they will be called 'troublemakers' and must continue proclaiming God's word even though it is a torment to the hearers.
I glorified you on earth by completing, down to the last detail, what you assigned me to do. (John 17:4)
Certainly, I am not the only one. No doubt, our assignments can be tough; but Jesus didn't say it would be easy - anything but. Even so, Jesus fulfilled His assignment; and He expects no less of those whom He calls.
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? (Matthew 16:24)
If we would all, in letting God lead us, simply tend to the ministry assigned to our hands, things would indeed flow much more smoothly. Stop trying to orchestrate and navigate that which God is in charge of.
If you can't run someone else's ministry, you get an attitude and get mad: is that Christ-like? If your ministry is to care for His servants - church, don't let Him have to call on the Gentiles; and, certainly don't let Him have to rescue them, nor gather the sheep himself; there's serious repercussion for that, and it doesn't just effect the church.
Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, "Lord, who among us will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" Jesus replied," If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me." (John 21:20-22)
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DIFFICULTIES PROPHETS FACE
Difficulties with other people: Prophets have to face being despised by priests and other 'professionals'; being opposed by false prophets; being rejected by familiar friends and by one's own family.
Difficulties in handling God's prophetic word. Prophets must: speak only what God has really given; not a watered down version of God's Word to make it more acceptable; uphold the authority of the scriptures; and be prepared to bring the same message over and over again.
Difficulties in their own thoughts: Prophets must (a) be patient and wait confidently for the fulfilment of God's prophetic Word; (b) allow critics to call them 'traitors' to their country or a particular viewpoint, trusting God to vindicate them and (c) accept the fact that they will be called 'troublemakers' and must continue proclaiming God's word even though it is a torment to the hearers.
I glorified you on earth by completing, down to the last detail, what you assigned me to do. (John 17:4)
Certainly, I am not the only one. No doubt, our assignments can be tough; but Jesus didn't say it would be easy - anything but. Even so, Jesus fulfilled His assignment; and He expects no less of those whom He calls.
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? (Matthew 16:24)
If we would all, in letting God lead us, simply tend to the ministry assigned to our hands, things would indeed flow much more smoothly. Stop trying to orchestrate and navigate that which God is in charge of.
If you can't run someone else's ministry, you get an attitude and get mad: is that Christ-like? If your ministry is to care for His servants - church, don't let Him have to call on the Gentiles; and, certainly don't let Him have to rescue them, nor gather the sheep himself; there's serious repercussion for that, and it doesn't just effect the church.
Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, "Lord, who among us will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" Jesus replied," If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me." (John 21:20-22)
Interpretation
MIND YOUR MINISTRY
Thank You Jesus
MIND YOUR MINISTRY
Thank You Jesus
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