Pray Space

Don’t throw in the towel

Dear Brother /Sister

I understand the way you feel now because I myself have ever felt that way, however I am still hanging on and pursuing the call, hence I strongly counsel you not to throw in the towel, why?

1. Paul the Apostle felt the same way you feel when Demas forsook him, Alexander did great harm to his ministry and no single believer showed up to sympathise when he was charged in court not for theft but for the sake of the gospel, understandably God alone never abandoned the Apostle (1Tim.4:9,14,16,17)  He never gave up on God

2. David must have felt worst than you do when his on trusted lieutenants turned against him threatening to stone him at a moment of crisis, he only strengthened himself in the Lord (1Sam.30.6)  I pray that you get strength from the Lord to carry on my brother.

3. Moses must have felt like you do when God made him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt into the promised land and they ended in a tight fix as the Red sea blocked them in front and the Egyptians pursued them from behind. Which way was it safe? run back and face danger from the sword or jump by faith into the red sea because God said go?  Praise God, he made the Israelites to walk on dry land through the Red sea and sung victorious songs on the other side of the river. You shall cross over my brother.

4. Finally brother I am in a similar shoe like yours brother, when God spoke to me I just resigned my job and became a full time pastor, God had given me vision to start a new ministry but for the transition I first joined a big Church with about 300adults in attendance as an associate pastor, I was much loved and appreciated by the flock. However I felt restrained to fulfill what God had really put in my heart when he called me hence after six months I was officially blessed by that Church and released to open “Manna of Heaven Ministries” in collaboration with three other pastors.

It’s now two years the progress of the work is not as I expected, every time I feel like quitting, I feel something just pulling me back and God sends his messengers to me with urgent messages of encouragement, I am holding on still believing that He will show up one day and change the tide in our favor.

I have no job and yet the small church with about 8adults and 60childtren in this poor part of Northern Uganda cannot give adequately to support the ministry, hence I have to endeavor to meet 90 percent of the Church budget and the family need as well. The rent is in arrears by six months, but the landlord and local government leaders  does not want us to leave the area as I had wanted to do and use part of my home compound for a temporary shelter, the electricity is cut off due to unpaid bills and we have to use a generator amidst high fuel prices.

However we are holding on, I am sure our God will soon show up, strong and mighty and the ancient gates shall fling open in Jesus name.

I advice you not to develop any bitter root, forgive those who have betrayed you and ask God to help you keep loving them, There is no guilt in pursuing God’ds call, therefore rebuke that spirit in Jesus name. Remember perfect love drives out all fear.

Stay focused on the vision and look upward and away from the awkward circumstances. For our God is a mighty God, greater than the storms.

I think many of us can relate to similiar circumstances with staff and/or finances.  I think in times like this we need to do an evaluation, not point fingers at ourselves.  Reevaluate what God is doing and maybe it is time to change how "church" is being done for awhile.  Our church is in a financial struggle and unfortunately, we may not be able to do thing the same way before.  We have to be good money managers of what God has given us.  Please keep us updated on this forum.  There is much wisdom here.  We can all learn frome each other.

Sorry to hear that, Rene. For some reason, it makes me think of Charlie Brown, who said, "I love Humanity! It's people I can't stand."

Thank you so much!

Pastor Rene

Nothing has happened to you or your church. I often get frustrated when church business gets out of control or at least what I think is out of control. Stop, pray, and be still.

Dear God, I pray for Pastor Rene. God I know what it is like to stand in my office and wonder what is going on. I ask God that you take Pastor Rene into your arms, love Pastor Rene and the church. God show Pastor Rene that when things get going for God Satan has an issue with poking his head in. Reveal to Pastor Rene how to stand against Satan with Your power. Lord, allow an opportunity for Pastor Rene and family to be still before you and see that You are the one in control. May they keep the attitude and mind frame that You chose them and can always use them for Your glory. Lord provide comfort and stregnth to Pastor Rene to continue in the work for Your name. Amen

Stick with it. Remember the disciples that left Christ in the garden alone. Remember how Peter felt when he denied Christ three times. When he saw Christ Peter pulled his pants on and jumped out of the boat and swam to Jesus. Christ told Peter that he would be the rock on which the church was built. God can use any circumstance to draw us to Him. This is a time to see yourself drowning, reach your hand to the Lord and cry out for Him to rescue you.

God bless you and continue in the fight to put Satan back where he should be.

It sounds to me like God is pruning the vine. Its is never comfartable but it is always necessary for the "more fruit" to happen. We don't always see the pruning as what would happen to us or our fellowship (church). But it often is here that the Lord does His pruning work. We have gone through it many time through the years and it is never pleasant. I still look at myself first with blame for why people are leaving. When in reality it is God preserving and purifying His local body for more and bigger work.

Rene, remember that it is God who builds the church. We only build up the people He brings to us. Don't sweat the one's who walk away. Enjoy the one's He brings for refreshment and life in Christ. We're not the Vine! We're just other branches and the building we meet in is just a convenience.

Father, make your presence felt in Rene's life. Build up this church for Your glory. Bring peace and enablement to those who are in this fold. Bring the power of the Holy Spirit to make this fellowship known to those who are nearby watching. In Jesus name amen!