“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”
1 Corinthians 3:6
Every once in a while we come to a point in our lives where we take time to reflect on our past, consider our present circumstances, and ponder the future. FaithLife Ministries has been my life and passion since our beginning in 2001. I have been blessed beyond measure by God who called me into this ministry of training and equipping pastors and church leaders in the majority world. When it began I had no idea what, or where, it would lead to. Nor did I stop to consider the cost, the struggles, or the perseverance it would take to get to where we are today. However, when I do take stock of where our ministry is today, I am humbled just to be a small part of what God is doing. And the future before us is as unknown as it was when we started.
But there has been one constant throughout the years – God! He has been the guiding force in the ministry and the One I have tried to look to for wisdom, counsel and provision. And He has never failed me or this ministry!
They say hindsight is 20/20, so it is not that hard for me to look back and see that all that this ministry has accomplished has been through the Lord’s Hand. I have simply been His instrument and the one He has called and willed for the purpose of building up His Church around the world through the training of pastors and church leaders. I still don’t know why He chose me, but He did. And I’ve spent the past 19 years trying to be obedient to that call and His purpose. And as I look back and reflect on how far we have come, I am simply astounded and amazed at what He has done with the little I had to offer. Like the feeding of the 5,000, God took the “few fish and bread” I had to give and has used it to feed so many (ref. Matthew 14:15-21).
The road here has not always been easy, however. We had fund shortages, difficulties recruiting people, travel challenges, health issues, miscommunications and a myriad of other obstacles that caused me at times to question our plan and purpose. But I also knew that we had His Holy Spirit to help us overcome them. And through it all, God provided, God sustained and God proved faithful to His Word to “never leave us or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5). And when I thought that I might have failed Him, He reminded me that “many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the Lord purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:26). So I stand here today knowing that God has used this ministry to bring about His purposes for it. Of that I have no doubt!
As I look around today and consider all the training that is taking place around the world through our Global Trainer Network I realize that I am not the only person that God has called into this ministry. God has sent us laborers to work in this “vineyard” alongside of me to produce the harvest He desires. Perhaps the most important lesson God has taught me the past few years is that I was never meant to do this alone. Once He revealed that truth to me the ministry has been able to expand, multiply and grow faster and more effectively than it otherwise would have. As the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow!” Because of this truth, this ministry is stronger and has deeper roots today. And I treasure the relationships I have with all of our trainers and training hosts that we have had over the years who are co-laborers with me in this global vineyard!
I am confident that the future of this ministry is in great hands, because it is in God’s Hands, as it always has been! And as I contemplate the future, pray for God’s vision, and listen for His voice, I know He will speak to me and “reveal His thoughts” to me (ref. Amos 4:13) for the future of this ministry. The vision is not ours, it’s His. And whatever that vision is, He will not only give it to us but He will provide the resources needed to accomplish it as well! Although the future is not ours to see (as the old song goes), it is ours to inherit if we follow Him and His call!
I was confirmed in my faith at the age of 14. My Confirmation Bible verse was Matthew 28:20 that says, “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Though I did not know it then, I can’t help but believe with certainty that I am doing exactly what He planned for me to do and acknowledge that He has been with me and guiding me every step of the way!
Thank you, Jesus, and praise God from whom all blessings flow!