(John 13:15 NIV)
On my office wall hangs a plaque that reads: “Bloom where you are planted.” My life is a testimony that this biblical principle works. As armorbearers we must prove ourselves faithful where God has “planted” us. Let God exalt and promote you where you are. If you will be diligent, faithful, humble, and motivated by the heart of a servant, you will find the principles of God’s Word working for you. As you humble yourself before God, He will exalt you. (1 Peter 5:6.)
I would like to share an interesting story with you as an illustration of faithful armorbearing. Some years ago, my pastor met with the Billy Graham Crusade team, which was planning a series of meetings in our city. The crusade coordinator began his talk by stating that he had been with Billy Graham the least amount of time of any of the ministers on the staff—twenty-three years!
When I heard about that, I was shocked. In charismatic circles, we preach faithfulness and staying with something, but the Billy Graham Crusade team lives it. I got on my face before God and prayed, “Lord, if it is Your desire that I stay here as my pastor’s armorbearer and serve this ministry in that capacity for the rest of my life, then Your will be done.” One thing I knew was that if God ever said it was time for me to move on to another position, my pastor and I both would know it—and we did.
Some staff members and ministers are ready to give up and go on to their reward if God doesn’t open up something new and better for them every year. We must start seeing our position as one called and instituted of God. We must be willing to stay in it for the rest of our lives, if that is what God wants.
If you are an associate or staff minister, I want to encourage you to remain faithful, no matter what pressure you may be facing. I honestly admit that there were times when I was serving as associate pastor that I wanted to throw in the towel and say, “This is too hard; this is not fair.” But one day Jesus spoke to me and told me that He was simply asking me to do the same thing He had done on the earth. Jesus fulfilled His Father’s desire and not His own. He is not asking you and me to do anything He Himself has not already done.
At this moment in my life, I am doing more than I have ever done for God, and I believe it is because I have bloomed wherever God has planted me. If you are being challenged in this area, but you know you are in the center of God’s will, be determined to continue blooming where you are planted. Don’t get ahead of God, and don’t allow the devil or circumstances to pressure you out.
Stay right in the center of God’s will and continue blooming where you are planted. You may not understand it now, but years from now when you look back in hindsight, you’ll be glad you did.
Think about how Jesus humbled Himself by coming to the earth and how, out of obedience to His Father, He stayed “planted.” Drawing strength from His example, rejoice in your present position and reaffirm your commitment. Jesus paid a huge price, but He also received a great reward. The reward for your obedience will be great too.
God, sometimes when I think I will be here forever, I want to bolt and run somewhere new and different. But I know You have me here for a reason. I will follow Jesus’ example and choose Your will over my own. I am encouraged when I realize that my faithfulness will not go unrewarded because You are a God of blessing. I will continue to bloom where I am planted. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.