If you are dealing with problems in your ministry or work, rejoice. It will strengthen you, and that strength will minister to everyone around you.
(Heb. 13:15)
Paul wrote in Philippians 1:15–19 about some people who were preaching from a wrong motivation, which was to add afflictions to Paul who was in prison at the time. Instead of getting offended and having a bad attitude, he rejoiced over the fact that at least Christ was being preached.
If you are dealing with problems in your ministry or work, rejoice. It will strengthen you, and that strength will minister to everyone around you. You will have to fight to keep it, but it is yours. Remember, joy is not determined by circumstances.
Paul learned that lesson years before when he and Silas had been beaten with “many stripes” and cast into prison and their feet were fastened in stocks. Instead of sinking into depression, the two of them prayed and sang praises to God, loud enough that the other prisoners heard them. The result? There was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, opening all of the doors and loosing everyone’s bands. (Acts 16:23–26.)
Take a close look at the faith they exercised. Their backs were bleeding, they had been put in stocks, and all this for doing God’s will. What a golden opportunity to complain and murmur. Instead, they began to worship God.
I imagine the dialogue between Paul and Silas went something like this:
“Hey, Silas, how are you doing?”
“I’m in pain, but I’m going to make it,” answered Silas.
Then Paul said, “Silas, let’s do something that is probably the most ridiculous thing you have ever heard of to do at a time like this. Let’s start praising God.”
“Paul, I think you’re on to something. It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. But what better way to show our faith. I’m with you.”
I can imagine Jesus looking at the Father and saying, “Do You hear them praising Us, Father? I know they are in pain and are suffering for My cause, but listen to that faith!”
However the dialogue went, we know that God was so moved that He sent an earthquake, and everyone’s bands were loosed. If you need doors to open, then begin to worship and praise God. From that kind of praise will come deliverance for you—and everyone around you.
- Right now, whether you feel like it or not, lay this book aside and begin to praise God. Lift your hands and your voice and rejoice in Him. It may hard to get started, but if you will stay with it, rivers of living water will begin to flow out of you and you will be strengthened and refreshed.
- The Bible is full of examples of people offering the sacrifice of praise. Notice that rejoicing is something we choose to do.
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Ps. 34:1).
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil. 4:4).
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors” (James 1:2–4 MESSAGE).
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Hab. 3:17,18).
Father God, no matter what my circumstances are, no matter how difficult or hopeless they seem, I know You are working everything out for my good. You are turning things around for me, because I am the apple of Your eye. As an act of my faith, I rejoice in You, the God of my salvation. I offer You the sacrifice of praise. 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.