by Joel Comiskey
Last Thursday (February 25) the visa/passport agency informed me that the Nigerian embassy had lost my passport, which I needed the next day to fly to Nigeria. I had to call my contact in Nigeria and cancel the conference. The Family Worship Centre had diligently planned for 2200 people to attend the three-night conference. I also really wanted to go and had already made lots of preparation. The pastor wrote me saying, “This will cause a major crisis for us.” This same pastor had already rescheduled the conference a few weeks earlier due to my not having a visa, and now he had to do it again.
The situation hit me hard because I really didn’t understand God’s plan and purpose. “What are you doing, God?” I cried. My own understanding was in rebellion, and it took awhile to surrender to God’s perfect plan and purpose. I had to spend large amounts of time in devotions to arrive at a place of trust.My mind settled on the verse in Proverbs 3:5, “”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Cell church ministry demands similar trust. Sometimes we don’t see the end from the beginning. We don’t understand why a group member or potential multiplication leader moves away, leaves the church, or just doesn’t seem interested. We often wrestle with the lack of growth in the church. We want to see God move much more quickly. We often do all the right things, but the results are slim.
When you begin to feel the weight and weariness of ministry engulf you, remember the message of Proverbs 3:5. Trust the all-powerful God who has Your best interest in mind. His plan is perfect for you and will show you in His time.
Comments?
Joel
P.S.: Thanks for praying for the Myrtle Beach JCG event and Day with Joel and Mario. God unified the JCG board and helped us to make important decisions. God gave us a great
time of ministry at the Day with Joel and Mario. The event was a great success from a ministry standpoint but not from a fund-raising point of view. We had 21 people at the event (3 more than last time), but we also dropped the price a lot from last year. We will do the Day with Joel and Mario next year in Myrtle Beach and in another location by a major airport. Thanks for your prayers and please pray for next year’s event.
Pastor Joel,this is one conference we all look forward to but i believe the part of the Lords prayer that says”May your will be done…”is one consolation i have while i wait for your arrival.God plan is better than what we can feel or see. Hi Regards.
Bro. Joel,
Interesting you should write the following, “Proverbs 3:5, “â€Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.†AND that you should add your comments about ways the cell church ministry demands similar trust.
I am writing this post on a rainy Monday morning and as with the words of the song, “Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down”.
Yesterday, I taught a message titled, “Am I Willing?” from Nehemiah 1:1-11 and stressed the point that “Leadership” requires OBEDIENCE and a WILLINGNESS to serve God.
On this rainy Monday morning (keeping in mind that Mondays are the day when most pastors quit) I am struggling with the thought that I am pastoring a church with people who want knowledge and more knowledge but lack having an obedient and willing heart to serve.
Anyway, all that to say, I thank God that my “life-verses” are Proverbs 3:5-6; the very same words God has given you in the midst of your latest struggle.
Joel, thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable and transparent with your post and may God continue to bless you and every one of us who have accepted His vision of the cell church and His purpose for our life real good.
Sharing the Journey,
Rick Diefenderfer
Thanks so much, Rick and Solomon. This has been a hard one, but I believe I’m coming into the light. i was especially grateful for the email I received this morning from the organizer of the Nigerian event who also acknowledged that God is in control of the situation. I felt relieved. Do pray that the passport company can replace my passport and Brazilian visa by this Thursday, when I leave for Guatemala. I’m a bit gun shy right now.
Hey Joel,
Thanks for letting us have a peak at what’s going on in your heart…how Christ is working in you during a challenging time. It encourages me to hear (1) the struggles of leaders I respect, and (2) how they experience fellowship with the Holy Spirit in the midst of it.
Thanks,
Kev
Hello Joel,
I have been reading all your writings and they have helped me alot.
I discovered your site recently and I am glad I did. God allows everything for a purpose. As a cell group leader, this message was definitely for me. Thanks for your encouragement and i guess we just keep trusting in God and keeping pressing forward. God Bless you richly Joel,
Thanks
Yogita
Thanks so very much, Yogita. I pray that this blog continues to be a great blessing to you. thanks for sharing.