“We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it."
Proverbs 16:9 (MSG)
You make plans all the time—to prepare a series of sermons, to go through a building campaign, or to begin a new ministry.
But only God can help you accomplish those goals. Why? Because God provides the three things you must have to reach your goals and impact your church and community.
God’s Spirit empowers you
If you want your congregants to fulfill God’s purposes, you need God’s help. A transformational ministry doesn’t come from your own intelligence or training. It’s based on God’s power.
Zechariah 4:6 says, “‘You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD All-Powerful” (NCV).
God’s Word guides you
The Bible is the owner’s manual for all of life—including your ministry. The more you read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the more successful and fulfilled you’re going to be.
When Joshua was given the great dream of taking over the Promised Land—a goal that would take him the rest of his life—God spoke these words to him:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success” (Joshua 1:8 NASB).
God’s people support you
You cannot reach your goals on your own. It takes a team to fulfill a dream!
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped” (MSG).
A crowd can’t support you, but a small group of committed believers can. Pastor, you need people in your life who will support you and God’s vision for your ministry.
You need people with whom you can share your goals, successes, and failures. They will rejoice with you and encourage you to keep going.
This might be a group of other pastors, or it might be lay people who will love you no matter what.
Have you been trying to reach your ministry goals on your own? It’s time to stop flying solo and learn to rely on the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, and God’s people.
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