Endure Afflictions As God’s Servant

“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” — II Timothy 4:5 NKJV

One of the reasons why many young Christians draw back when called to be in the ministry is afflictions. People want to enjoy life as nominal Christians without any discomforts. But that’s not the life we receive when we get born again. Your reception of Jesus as Lord and personal saviour doesn’t eliminate you from facing life issues. Instead, Jesus becomes the anchor, comforter and deliverer in all your troubles.

As a servant of God, you have to learn how to endure afflictions. You must learn how to live and fulfil your divine mandate, whether you have meagre or many resources, be it financial wise or human resource-wise.

When Paul was telling Timothy these things, He was an already old man about to exit the world. So, in essence, he was giving the young pastor called Timothy some nuggets of wisdom that’ll make him last in ministry, and I think that is also for us ministers also.

It’s what we do behind the scenes that produce the results everyone sees.
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As ministers, it’s vital to know that people don’t see the seed we plant. They only see the fruit we produce. That’s why it’s common to see a young Christian praying to possess great anointing the fathers of the faith had but never considering the battles such anointing came with.

It’s what we do behind the scenes that produce the results everyone sees. Ministers, people may follow you and clap for you after listening to your high-spirited sermons. Don’t be intimidated by their ungratefulness. Don’t expect people to know your problems. Keep preaching the Word. God cares about you more than the crowds. Endure afflictions for the cause of your divine mandate, and never lose hope in the Lord because He’s your deliverer.

You’re a blessing.

Prayer

God, thank you for caring about every detail of my life. For giving me the strength to endure afflictions because of the gospel, I say, “Thank You.” I bless Your Holy name for Your incredible provision towards my life in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 279