I have found myself in trouble at different times in my life. What a blessing it is when you find yourself in trouble, and the exact right person shows up with the help you need. When I was younger, I was almost always the smallest kid in my class. I made sure that I became friends with some of the biggest kids in my class, so I always had protection. I guess you would call that “survival.” I’m still in the habit of doing that today. I have learned that I don’t have all the answers or wisdom necessary for what God has called me to do; because of that, I have made sure that I have trusted friends to help me in the areas of my weaknesses.
When God called me to be a senior pastor, I realized that the church budget was going to be one of my responsibilities. I have never been very fond of math, and I was concerned that I would be overwhelmed. I asked God specifically to give me men who could be trusted to help me in the area of the finances of the church. God did just that, and more! He gave me a group of men to work with me who had strengths in all the areas that I was lacking. I realized something then that I want to share with you today. This thing we call church, or ministry, is not ours … it is His.
Today I read two wonderful verses that I want to share with you. David wrote, “I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude. For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul” (Psalm 109:30-31). Sometimes I am guilty of thinking that the success or failure of our ministry rests on me and my abilities. These verses reveal that nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that each of us trying to serve God are those described as “poor” in verse 31. Regardless of how good, or how proficient we might think we are, the reality is that if God were to leave us on our own, we would fail miserably!
David was one of the most successful kings in the history of Israel, but when he stepped out on his own, working in his own strength, he made a huge mess of things. I have seen the same thing in my ministry experience. When I think I have the situation under control, and I do not beg God for His guidance and wisdom, I can make a huge mess of things. However, when I face things that are seemingly beyond my wisdom or ability to perform, and I run to God for help, I find that He stands at my right hand and He can save a seemingly desperate situation. I’m facing one of these situations right now, and I am so thankful for this wonderful reminder. If I remain humble, my Deliverer is on His way to the rescue! Praise God!