[26] “They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” [27] To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. [28] You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ ” — John 3:26 - 28 NIV
How will you feel when you see someone you started ministry with rise to the level of international recognition before you? Will you feel insecure in yourself or think God isn’t fair?
These questions may be a joke to you, but it’s been happening in the ministry terrain and has left so many ministers full of anger. Why? Because so many people think ministry is about visibility. Meanwhile, it’s about fulfilling divine mandates, of which some people are destined not to be so popular or visible in the media.
Picture your human body. Your liver is never visible to anyone, including yourself. But without its functionality in you, you can die within a few hours. Just because others are doing well doesn’t mean you’re of less value.
God sent John the Baptist ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Him. And when Jesus started ministry, more people were going to Him, while John’s congregants kept diminishing in number.
Some people got anxious because they didn’t understand why more people went to Jesus so soon. However, John replied that Jesus is the Messiah, not him. So it was fine to let him enjoy more ministry results. John was so secure in his identity and purpose that the popular opinions of his own followers didn’t bother him in that instance.
How secure are you in fulfilling your divine assignment? Do you keep comparing yourself to others or focus on labouring to reach the fullness of your destiny? These kinds of questions will never cease in your head. It’s better to answer them and do it properly today because it is profitable for dealing with the spirit of comparison.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me understand my purpose clearer each day. Make me so secure in the knowledge and fulfilment of my divine mandate that I’ll have no time to compare my life to that of others. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 318
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