Progress

Dear Pastor,

If you’re anything like me, you can keep going so long as you can either see progress or if you believe (by faith) that progress is being made “behind the scenes”. The hardest part is when it seems that everything you see/perceive is telling you that you are not only NOT making progress, but in fact are regressing. What then? 

Again, if you and I are anything alike, feelings of worthlessness or of being a failure begin to move in when it seems like life and/or ministry are regressing. You might begin doubting your call, looking for greener pastures or perhaps discover that bitterness and frustration seem to have pitched a tent right there in your heart/mind.

The story was once told of a 95 year old violinist who practiced for about 5 hours per day. This seems astounding to spend this much time on one task at this age, but when asked why he did it, he simply said “I think I am making progress”.

In ministry progress is either nearly impossible to measure or else we measure the wrong things. So I want to remind you that so long as you are planting the seed of the Word of God, so long as you are praying and pointing people to Jesus, so long as you are persevering in faithful obedience, then progress is indeed being made. 

And trust me when I tell you that the progress being made is the most important kind: the eternal progress that God is making spiritually, saving and sanctifying people and building His church through your and my perseverance in faith. 

Even if it seems like you are making no progress at all, please check and make sure you are praying, seeking God, pursuing holiness, sharing His gospel and pointing people to Him and then rest in the reality that God Himself is making regular progress (and even through you!)

You are loved, don’t give up, like the turtle above, keep your eye on the prize, keep pressing on, great is the harvest if we don’t give up.

Christ is with us, Christ is in us

Mike J