I randomly threw together a string of words in our first newsletter for January 2023 (first ever newsletter, in fact!): prayer, planning, patience, persistence and vision. These are but 5 words; there are probably a few more I can think of to describe the behaviour set one should observe when walking the daily walk of faith but for now, these 5 should suffice.
Prayer – Indeed, of all the things a person of faith should do, none is greater than to pray: “Philippians 4:6 – do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ESV”.
I’d like to point out that prayer is not just an activity, but a state of being. Rather than having prayer as something to observe, make prayer as natural as every breathe you take. I like to use the example that God is the first person in the room we’re the second. Wherever you are, remember His presence. Yes, in simple basic terms, be as innocent and imagine God is where you are.
You know, we wouldn’t do certain things if we knew someone is in the same room with us but what can you really believe that you’re alone even if you’re the only person in the room? It’s a great mentality to cultivate and it’s not just playing mind games. God is everywhere. His invisible attributes (Romans 1:20) is everywhere!
Planning – The servant of God should pray and ask constantly for direction. And listen to those directions! God didn’t create man to an inanimate object, but a living person with the breathe of God in him. Pray, and use the wisdom He bestows to think about what you would like to do to His glory.
Consider your gifts. What is the one trait you have? Some people are naturally boisterous and can rally people around. Some people are less so, and their talents are in other things, such as writing and art.
Tell God: This is who I am. This is the person you’ve created in me. Use me. Provide the tools and all that I need O LORD, so that your name, the name of your Son Jesus Christ will be glorified wherever I am.
Proverbs 20 – 23 “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; ESV”.
Patience – I’m guilty of something: often I wish His miracles would happen with aplomb! It does sometimes but most of the time, He works at a pace we can barely understand. I mean, He made the Israelites wander the desert for 40 years… The thing is, there are so many reasons when we consider His great plan. In 40 years, the Israelites increased in numbers. They were tested for their faith and patience. Moses as well, is being groomed by the LORD.
Take your time because God works in HIs time, and His time is always perfect!
Persistence – The Bible is littered with stories of great men and women of God just giving up. Sarah laughed when she heard God promised Abraham his first child, as they neared the century mark! Elijah gave up. Moses got fed up and Jonah got into a hissy fit. But God, ever loving, will set us back on the path.
Visions – Last but no least, we need to have vision. Where do you want to go and how do you want to glorify the LORD?
I spent nearly 10 years in a social outreach ministry. We had street feeding, street worship, an outreach centre; we had blind worshippers, we had drunk worshippers, etc. It was rough and we had them all.
It all began even in an intent and a vision to build a church to serve the underserved. And by the grace of God, that happened but how it happened is absolutely amazing.
For one, I’m a terrible leader! I honestly describe myself as a bit of a “dry” speaker. I couldn’t sell water to desert nomads. If you have made it reading all the way down here, I thank you.
But God made a team together. People who had or would share the same common desire (to do outreach to the special people in our society) and with the same goal (to glorified God). We all came together. You had the sort of fellow who often heard before he’s seen and the you “better do what he says” mentality. He’s became the prime mover. We had ex-addicts who could relate to the people. And you had me, just some quite guy with a heart but never really knowing what to do. God put the team together; none of us would have ever been together if it wasn’t for God. Amen!
PPPPV – Pray, Planning, Patience, Persistence, and Vision.