30/06/2013 - DON’T COMPLAIN AGAINST THE MESSAGE

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For when I spoke, I cried out;I shouted, “Violence and plunder!”Because the word of the LORD was made to me a reproach and a derision daily. 

Jeremiah 20:8

Those who are sent by the Lord are special to Him and also to those who listen to them, but they shouldn’t fight against the message that they are supposed to deliver. The Lord is in charge of His works, and there is no reason to be worried about the divine message, if it’s too strong or too weak. The Lord knows what people need to hear; therefore, when a prophecy is passed on to us by the Most High, we should not fear to deliver it; after all, it’s all on Him.

Jeremiah was upset to have to prophecy about chaos. However, no one can teach the Almighty what’s right or wrong; He is omniscient. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if people like your ministry or not. Be faithful and fulfill what God asks from you, because one of the enemy’s strategies is to penalize and question all the Lord’s attitudes. For example: Jesus rebuked the women who cried when he was crucified; He told them to weep for themselves and for their children. (Luke 23:27, 28)

Another important thing is to not compare your mission with somebody else’s. It doesn’t matter if your ministry isn’t as “successful” as another pastor’s ministry; your only concern should be to be like a clean vase, willing to be used for His glory. By the way, the Lord warns us that we should be holy because He is holy (1 Peter 1:16); so if we are contaminated, He can’t use us.

It is also very important that you never allow fear to enter your heart. Before doing the Lord’s work, stop and think what your life has been like. Then, fulfill the Lord’s purposes without doubting His will for you. On top of that, remember that the Holy Spirit is directing you through His Word. Therefore, don’t deviate to the right or to the left. Believe that He is guiding you to fulfill your mission and be diligent, for one day you will be called to be accountable for your works. (Revelation 20:12)

God prepares the right person for the right time. If people around you don’t accept you because of the message you are supposed to deliver, remember that many prophets suffered the same thing. Some were persecuted, oppressed and even killed for speaking on behalf of the Lord. (Hebrews 12:25) The important thing is to do what the Lord has called you to do, always according to the biblical standards.

It is true that there is a different calling for different people; however, the same Spirit is the one who operates. (1 Corinthians 8-11) Jesus chooses some for apostles, others for prophets, evangelists, pastors and masters, and using these five ministerial gifts, He edifies His body – the church. (Ephesians 4:11,12) Therefore, if you are faithful, He will direct your path, open the necessary doors and close the ones you shouldn’t open.

On the Day of Judgment you will be responsible for what you did with the talents He placed in your hands. If you multiply them, you will enter the kingdom of heaven, but if you don’t produce any fruits, you will be thrown into the exterior darkness. (Matthew 25:14-30). Therefore, take what God has given you to do seriously, because on that day He will show no mercy. (Jeremiah 48:10a)

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares