"Keys to Long-Term Ministry: Trusting God's Timing, Perseverance, and

Your Ministry Will Take a Lifetime

As a young man in ministry, you may be eager to make your mark for Christ. You want to cut a wide swath of gospel harvest and be recognized for your efforts. You may feel restless and ambitious, with godly ambition, but unsure of how to proceed.

It’s important to remember that your ministry will take a lifetime. The passing years of God’s care will make you more compelling, more relevant, and more fruitful. Your glory will blaze like the noonday sun, never to fade, but it will take time to get there.

Walking with the Lord

Proverbs 4:18 tells us that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. If you are walking with the Lord, your life is dawning more and more with “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).

As you continue to follow Christ, you will become more like him. Your ministry will reflect his love, his grace, and his truth. You will be a light to those around you, shining brightly even in the darkest of places.

God’s Timing

It’s important to remember that God’s timing is not our timing. We may want to see immediate results from our ministry efforts, but God often works in ways that are beyond our understanding.

In Ecclesiastes 3:11, we are told that God has made everything beautiful in its time. We must trust in his timing, even when it seems slow or uncertain.

Remember the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and spent years in prison before being elevated to a position of power in Egypt. Through it all, he remained faithful to God and trusted in his timing.

The Importance of Faithfulness

As we wait for God’s timing, it’s important to remain faithful in our ministry. We may not see immediate results, but we must trust that God is using our efforts for his purposes.

Galatians 6:9 tells us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

As we faithfully serve the Lord, we will reap a harvest in due time. We may not see the results right away, but we can trust that God is working behind the scenes.

The Dangers of Impatience

Impatience is a common struggle for those in ministry. We may be eager to see results and to be recognized for our efforts. We may compare ourselves to others and feel discouraged when we don’t measure up.

However, impatience can lead to frustration, burnout, and even sin. We may be tempted to compromise our values or take shortcuts in order to see results more quickly.

It’s important to remember that our ministry is not about us. It’s about God and his purposes. We must be patient and trust in his timing, even when it seems slow or uncertain.

The Importance of Humility

Humility is another important trait for those in ministry. It’s easy to become prideful and think that our efforts are solely responsible for any success we may see.

However, Proverbs 16:18 tells us that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We must remember that any success we have is ultimately due to God’s grace and provision.

As we serve the Lord, we must remain humble and recognize our dependence on him. We must give him all the glory for any success we may see.

The Importance of Perseverance

Perseverance is another key trait for those in ministry. We may face obstacles, opposition, and discouragement along the way. However, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to the Lord and his purposes.

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

As we run the race set before us, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. We must persevere through hardship and adversity, trusting in his strength and grace.

The Importance of Community

Finally, it’s important to remember that we are not meant to do ministry alone. We need the support, encouragement, and accountability of other believers.

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

As we serve the Lord, we must be intentional about building relationships with other believers. We must encourage one another, pray for one another, and hold each other accountable.

Conclusion

As a young man in ministry, it’s important to remember that your ministry will take a lifetime. You may be eager to see results and make your mark for Christ, but it will take time to get there.

As you walk with the Lord, trust in his timing, remain faithful in your ministry, avoid impatience and pride, persevere through hardship and adversity, and build relationships with other believers. Through it all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.