"Appointed and Disappointed: Navigating Ministry Milestones"

Appointed and Disappointed: Navigating Ministry Milestones

As we journey through life, we encounter milestones that leave us feeling a bit surreal. It may be a special birthday, a wedding anniversary, or even a significant work anniversary. These milestones often remind us of how far we have come and the many blessings we have received.

One such milestone that I recently celebrated is three full and wonderful decades of ministry partnership with John Piper, which resulted in the birth of the mission we call Desiring God. As I reflect on this milestone, I am struck by how the Lord has been faithful to us throughout these years, and I am grateful for the many lessons He has taught us along the way.

In this article, I want to share some of these lessons with you as we consider the concept of being "appointed and disappointed" in ministry. I will explore what it means to be appointed by God, how we can navigate the disappointments that inevitably come our way, and how we can keep our focus on the Lord through it all.

Appointed by God

One of the most comforting truths we can cling to as believers is that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. This truth is evident throughout the Bible, from the calling of Abraham to the commissioning of the apostle Paul.

In Jeremiah 1:5, we read, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." These words were spoken by the Lord to Jeremiah, assuring him that God had appointed him to be a prophet even before he was born.

Similarly, in Acts 9, we read about the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who would later become known as the apostle Paul. After his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, Ananias was sent to him with this message: "The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard" (Acts 22:14-15).

These examples demonstrate that God appoints us to specific tasks and roles in His kingdom. He does not leave us to wander aimlessly through life, but rather, He has a purpose for us that He has ordained from eternity past.

Navigating Disappointments

Despite the fact that God has appointed us to specific roles and tasks, we often encounter disappointments in ministry. These disappointments can take many forms, from being overlooked for a promotion to experiencing a ministry failure.

One thing to keep in mind when navigating these disappointments is that they are not necessarily a sign that we have failed or that God has abandoned us. In fact, they may be part of God's plan to refine us and make us more like Christ.

In James 1:2-4, we read, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

This passage reminds us that trials and disappointments can actually be a cause for joy, as they produce steadfastness and maturity in our faith. When we encounter disappointments in ministry, we can trust that God is using them to shape us into the image of Christ.

Another helpful perspective when navigating disappointments in ministry is to remember that our ultimate goal is to glorify God, not ourselves. It's easy to get caught up in the desire for success and recognition, but the truth is that our success is measured by how well we have served and glorified God.

As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." When we keep this perspective in mind, we can approach ministry disappointments with a renewed focus on serving and glorifying God, rather than seeking our own success.

Keeping Our Focus on the Lord

Finally, as we navigate the ups and downs of ministry, it is crucial that we keep our focus on the Lord. This can be challenging, especially when we are facing disappointments or setbacks, but it is essential if we are to remain faithful to God's calling on our lives.

One way to keep our focus on the Lord is to cultivate a vibrant prayer life. Prayer is our lifeline to God, and it is through prayer that we can draw near to Him and find strength and comfort in His presence.

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

When we bring our disappointments and concerns to the Lord in prayer, we can experience His peace and comfort in the midst of our trials.

Another way to keep our focus on the Lord is to regularly immerse ourselves in His Word. The Bible is our guide and our source of wisdom, and it is through studying and meditating on its truths that we can gain a deeper understanding of who God is and what He has called us to do.

As David writes in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." When we allow God's Word to guide us, we can walk confidently in the path that He has appointed for us.

Conclusion

As we journey through life and ministry, we will inevitably encounter disappointments and setbacks. However, we can take comfort in the fact that God has appointed us to specific roles and tasks, and that He is using even our disappointments to refine us and make us more like Christ.

By keeping our focus on the Lord through prayer and the study of His Word, we can navigate these disappointments with grace and humility, and continue to serve Him faithfully in whatever roles He has appointed for us.