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When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/19/2009 7:50:08 PM
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jhuperetes
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How do deal with failure when after expanding energy, finances, emotions, and spiritual strength, a ministry or mission does not come to fruition?
That is, the final piece does not happen and months of work feels like went down the drain?
No platitudes please.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/19/2009 8:58:39 PM
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DeliveredDarling
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It's disappointing I know. Climbing out of that same boat presently. What I think I have figured out thus far.......
He gave me the idea to put into play, Iran with it forgetting Who the Engineer really was. I had MY expectations and what I wanted to see happen. Do you see the pattern?
My will and His will didn't line up. The intentions were good, however they weren't what was best or the best for those He sent me to serve. Somewhere in the mix, I let pride get in the way. It felt good to be successful, on the flip side, it doesn't feel so great to be humbled. I do thank God that He humbled me very quickly before any damage could have been done.
I only have two answers for you, and they both could be wrong!
1) You misheard Him or 2) You got in the way
I hope this doesn't offend you because I'm not trying to. You are in a painful place, a discouraged place. Seek Him and let Him show you what went wrong and then let Him make it right!
Ministry is not for the weak, my friend. If you went into, it must be because He gave you the strength to endure the ups and downs ad ebb and flow that goes with the territory. He also may be showing you some areas that you need to be rid of in order to serve Him more fully! This is a hard thing but most definitely a good thing.
One last thing, DO NOT FORGET to commit this ministry opportunity to prayer! This is of the utmost importance. This is where the battles will be won or lost. Add yourself in those prayers. Ministries are not built in a day or a month but they can be destroyed just that quick!
Don't be discouraged, let Him re-energize you and be patient. You never know, all of that could have been for a single soul, which you know He is rejoicing over.
Quickness and growth are not the indicators of a successful ministry-God is the indicator! I will lift you and this ministry in prayer! 
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/19/2009 9:45:53 PM
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jhuperetes
Posts: 1579
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Eh...
Prayer life can always use extra strength, no question about that.
I think it really is not a question "why" it happens. I know those possible reasons. Not His direction. Not His way. Not now. Not me. Not the way I did it. etc. There could be many many reasons.
Do you go back and try to decipher why it did not happen? Problem I ran into on other cases, it is almost impossible to truly know. I won't know in some cases till I see Him.
Sometimes I look back at failures and it is quite glaring what happened wrong. Sometimes I look back and see nothing wrong.
I guess I was just whining about the disappointment and my failure.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/20/2009 4:42:24 AM
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DeliveredDarling
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quote:
I guess I was just whining about the disappointment and my failure.
You don't know that it s a failure. If one person was saved, that is success! Not to mention how many seeds were planted. That very well could be the sole purpose, you plant, someonelse, waters, yet another harvests.
And yes, I do go back and think about what could have been done differently. And I keep coming back to the same thoughts, what does a successful ministry look like? Is it tons of people being saved and served? Is it just a huge operation that doesn't miss a beat?
In some cases, sure. That hasn't been my experience though. It's been little by little, a few steps forward only to take several backwards and most definitely one soul at a time, while planting seeds all along the way.
Don't give up because you may not see what you think you need to see. God will tell you when you're done with it, keep trusting Him to guide you.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/20/2009 8:31:59 AM
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PastorSteveMT
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How do you know it's a failure at all? Were you obedient to the call? Did you do everything you felt God was asking of you? Did you stay morally and Spiritually pure? If the answer is Yes to all of these, then congratulations, YOU WERE SUCCESSFUL.
The problem that most of us have is that we have what OUR idea of success is, and then there is God's idea of success.
Noah preached for over a hundred years and never had one convert. Yet because of him and his obedience, fortitude and reliance on God, he essentially was the person who the human race was saved through. Failure or success?
Sometimes we go through these things so that our ultimate calling is put into perspective. Without (percieved) failure, we don't learn to appreciate (percieved) success. Maybe God felt you needed to experience this so that you would use it to grow you for something bigger in the future.
Like I said, if you did all you could do, followed the Lord, obeyed, stayed pure then don't look at this as a failure. Look at it as a growth opportunity.
_____________________________
Need Prayer? Visit our Prayer Room @ www.lightpoint.tv
Want to read the ramblings of a new church planter?
www.lightpoint.tv/blog
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/20/2009 4:54:44 PM
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michele_erin
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quote:
How do you know it's a failure at all? Were you obedient to the call? Did you do everything you felt God was asking of you? Did you stay morally and Spiritually pure? If the answer is Yes to all of these, then congratulations, YOU WERE SUCCESSFUL.
The problem that most of us have is that we have what OUR idea of success is, and then there is God's idea of success.
Noah preached for over a hundred years and never had one convert. Yet because of him and his obedience, fortitude and reliance on God, he essentially was the person who the human race was saved through. Failure or success?
Sometimes we go through these things so that our ultimate calling is put into perspective. Without (percieved) failure, we don't learn to appreciate (percieved) success. Maybe God felt you needed to experience this so that you would use it to grow you for something bigger in the future.
Like I said, if you did all you could do, followed the Lord, obeyed, stayed pure then don't look at this as a failure. Look at it as a growth opportunity.
Pastor Steve -- those were my thoughts exactly. I went through something similar and looked at it as a failure, when after it was "over" the Lord showed me all the good that came through the ministry. I look at the growth in me personally. The scripture that comes to my mind is Isa. 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
My prayer through the whole thing I went through is "God don't let me get bitter, let me get better." It has been a process, but I have grown spiritually through this. God bless you!
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/20/2009 5:51:29 PM
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jhuperetes
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Appreciate the insights and positive notes.
My service is not spreading the Word directly. I help missionaries to protect their work and themselves in hostile areas. I supposed to go and I had everything ready to go, prep and all... What I did not have is the final set of airfare.
I accept His decision. It still does not make it any easier.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/20/2009 8:17:57 PM
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DeliveredDarling
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quote:
What I did not have is the final set of airfare.
That's not a definite NO! That's a not now....... ;)
Very cool ministry. Could be that wherever you were to go, is a volatile or hostile area....
I'm guessing it is overseas????? Do tell.....
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/30/2009 7:56:29 AM
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buckifn
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It could very well be your preparation ground for the next step God has for you. Give it totally to God. The child that had the loaves and fishes didn't expect to go down in history when he left his house that day with the lunch his mother had prepared, did he.
We never know how God is going to use the little we offer,,,,the important part is we yield it totally to HIM.
Be strong in the Lord and in the POWER OF HIS MIGHT!!
Most farmer's know when planting a crop if the seed were to germinate and burst forth with abundant fruit the next day that would not be normal or healthy. Seed has to have time to germinate in the right soil, at the right temps. and for the right amount of time. If the crop was ready for harvest the next morning the cold temp. would kill it immed.
Our spiritual life is like that too...sometimes the seasons of change are needed to make sure we are fully equipped for the battle we are being sent out to engage in.
Use this time to directly seek the Lord in prayer and ask Him what areas you need to grow in, what needs to be added to or taken away from your life in order for the ministry to reach the next phase. He will do it if you yield to Him.
Rejoice and be glad! He that goes forth weeping shall come again rejoicing, bringing the sheaves in with him!
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/30/2009 8:58:51 AM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jhuperetes
How do deal with failure when after expanding energy, finances, emotions, and spiritual strength, a ministry or mission does not come to fruition?
That is, the final piece does not happen and months of work feels like went down the drain?
No platitudes please.
Let's look to Paul when he went to the Galatia area the first time to preach the Gospel;
(Act 16:6) Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
Now Paul, Silas, and Timothy had prepared, prayed, and made the effort to take the Gosple to the area of Galatia, but it did not work out. What did Paul do? He just made a new plan and kept on keeping on.
And Paul went to Bithynia to bring the Gospel, and what happened;
(Act 16:7) After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
What did Paul do? He just made a new plan and kept on keeping on.
And of course the rest of the chapter is history with the Gospel being brought to the gentiles; THEN LATER, being brouth to Galatia and Myasia.
Just keep on keeping on with what you feel God is calling you to do. Faithfulness is what God is seeking, not especailly results. Pray and do what ever God puts into your heart to do.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/30/2009 9:49:14 AM
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jhuperetes
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Thank you all.
The day to leave has came and went, and a great calm and resolve has set in. I am confident I am used by my Master for His best.
Then I got news that the borders of the region I supposed to go to was invaded and taken over by a hostile (specially toward Christians) group.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/30/2009 5:28:05 PM
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ironsharpensiron
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It would seem that the Lord saw ahead, and knew it was not the time for you to be there. I am so thankful the Lord knows what is ahead, and is always preparing the way!
Many years ago I was to go to the Ukraine as a full time missionary for a three year term. A week before I was to go there was a snafu with the VISA, and I never got to go. I was very disappointed, but eventually I knew in my heart that the Lord had other plans for me ~ and he did, and still does. My wife and I are currently working in the Philippines, and the door has been opened to us to go into Cambodia, Thailand, China, and Vietnam. We are very excited!!
Matthew
_____________________________
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/30/2009 6:12:39 PM
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jhuperetes
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I pray that your good works are building His kingdom, as I hope mine will when He sees me fit.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 11/30/2009 10:30:47 PM
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ironsharpensiron
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I believe the Lord sees you as fit, He just chose not to allow you to go because He knew the trouble that was coming in the area you were to serve. He wants you around in this world for a while longer for He has a plan for you, and your life!
Matthew
_____________________________
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 12/1/2009 11:43:52 PM
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sledmt
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jhuperetes
How do deal with failure when after expanding energy, finances, emotions, and spiritual strength, a ministry or mission does not come to fruition?
That is, the final piece does not happen and months of work feels like went down the drain?
No platitudes please.
Maybe try doing the minstry a different way.....
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 12/2/2009 8:45:30 AM
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buckifn
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PTL. His ways are high above ours, His thoughts above our thoughts, and we are often totally clueless of His divine purpose. Aren't you so glad He intervenes at the right time and the right place.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 12/2/2009 11:24:13 AM
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Memaw.
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Just a thought here, but sometimes we aren't supposed to actually go through with what we think we are, but we are just supposed to show willingness to do it.
Think of Abraham and Isaac.
_____________________________
~Kim
Everything can change in a blink of an eye. But don't worry: God never blinks.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 12/2/2009 11:29:04 AM
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jhuperetes
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Awesome! THAT is awesome! Thank you.
I felt my calling, as before, to shield these families, so the news sort of made me feel like I failed, but all are safe as far as I know.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Memaw.
Just a thought here, but sometimes we aren't supposed to actually go through with what we think we are, but we are just supposed to show willingness to do it.
Think of Abraham and Isaac.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 12/2/2009 5:26:48 PM
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jn1010lf
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Hello cooperates
I think the first thing we must consider is the question "Has God called us to do what we're doing?" That's probably the hardest one to deal with. I know a young man who was called to be an evangelist of the purest sort. He took a position as a pastor and it fell flat after about a year. He was not fulfilled in that role because he was not gifted for it. He didn't like dealing with people's problems. He wouldn't even make hospital calls. He did resign and resumed his evangelistic ministry.
In addition, there are a host of personal reasons why the Lord doesn't bless a ministry. One characteristic of successful ministers is that the Lord has dealt with them on the inside. It's been said that God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called.
Another reason for lack of fruition is that some may refuse to accept the Lord's empowerment. By that I mean that many resist the work of the Holy Spirit that works much the same as on the day of Pentecost. Those that waited for Power from on High were empowered to spread the gospel. Their flesh was overpowered and they became spiritual dynamos; not because of what they were but because of what God was. It's the same today. We do ministry because God empowers us to do it, not from any skills we may have.
Finally, there is nothing like falling on one's face before God and asking for clarification in the matter. That takes courage because our flesh puts up a fierce fight. But it has to lose the battle before we are useful to God.
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 12/2/2009 9:34:55 PM
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jhuperetes
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Thanks for your note.
My calling is not evangelism, but service of sort. I do the same thing for the missionaries as I do for my full time, day-to-day living. So, if I am not gifted, then I have been spending my last two decades of life in the wrong industry. 
I would not say just yet that the whole ministry is not blessed, but this particular segment of it did not come to fruition. I consider it a course correction. Temporary or permanent is still unknown.
Those who waited at the Pentecost, actually got up in the morning. Got dressed, ate breakfast, and took the trip to the house where they got together. Some may have rescheduled their lives to have Aunt Gertrude watch the kids, sent a homing pigeon to the boss to fly in a personal day, and such. They all made preparations. They all had to do actively something to get there. I believe God can give all the knowledge to someone on my expertise in a blink of an eye. Until that happens, I will take my God given skills and use them.
Although it would be nice to know why each time, I am not fretting it too long. It was a bit of a downer as the day approached, but I did not dwell on it. I am comfortable that He didn't want me to go this time.
As for falling on my face . . . you should see my nose! 
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 12/3/2009 12:52:42 AM
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michele_erin
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quote:
As for falling on my face . . . you should see my nose! lol -- I like that! The scripture that comes to mind is that His ways are not our ways ...
I remember hearing a story one time (I'm probably going to butcher here, but here goes) of a man. There was also a large boulder -- very large, bigger than the man. The Lord told the man to push against the rock. The man was obedient and did as he was told, pushing with all his might, trying his very best to move that rock -- the man did this for years. The man was faithful in pushing this rock. However, the rock did not move, and the man got frustrated because he was pushing as hard as he could, but no matter how hard he pushed, that rock just would not move.
Then one day the man said to the Lord in frustration that he could not move the rock, and tried and tried, but no matter how hard he pushed, that rock just wouldn't move. The Lord responded to the man, I never asked you to move the rock, I asked you to push on it. The man then got more frustrated, until the Lord pointed out all that had happened over the years of his pushing the rock -- the man now had huge muscles from pushing against the rock, his skin was now weathered and able to be out in the weather with little effect on his skin -- I know I'm missing part of the story, but you see what I'm saying. We simply just don't know.
We can be as obedient as we are able to do, and have something not turn out the way we expect it, but the funny thing is that God is probably not surprised in the least at the outcome because it was as He intended it. Think about all that you did to lead up to the preparation. Think of all that you learned. Think of others who watched as you prepared, etc. Do you see where I'm going with this? Think of those who were helped along your journey as you prepared. Think of how you became even more dependent upon the Lord during the preparation for this.
I know its hard not to get discouraged, but the words that come to mind are "well done good and faithful servant" -- you have been faithful with the few, now you will be entrusted with more. (I know I didn't get it right word for word, but you know what scripture I'm talking about here too. God bless you!!
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RE: When the ministry does not come to fruition - 12/3/2009 8:44:32 AM
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jhuperetes
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You told the story very well.
I will memorize it for myself as it is so simply yet true.
Thank you all!
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