Our culture convinces us that we must be known by our achievements, influence, or the size of our following. Public figures boast of their accomplishments trying to prove their clout and ability to wield power with other movers and shakers. Even in the church, leaders and influencers can fall into this trap by measuring success by their relational alliances, media assets, or their ability to generate impact online.
Our culture convinces us that we must be known by our achievements, influence, or the size of our following. Public figures boast of their accomplishments trying to prove their clout and ability to wield power with other movers and shakers. Even in the church, leaders and influencers can fall into this trap by measuring success by their relational alliances, media assets, or their ability to generate impact online.
And yet, here is what Scripture reveals about those who made a mark in both Heaven and History:
Abraham: “…a friend of God…he believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (James 2:23)
Moses: “The meekest man on the face of the earth….whom the Lord knew, face to face.” (Numbers 12:3, Deut. 34:10)
David: “A man after My own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14)
Joseph: “…in whom is the Spirit of God…there is none as discerning and wise.” (Genesis 41:38-39)
Daniel: “An excellent spirit was in him…he was faithful and no error of fault was found in him.” (Daniel 6:3-4)
Job: “…a blameless and upright man.” (Job 1:8)
Caleb: “He has a different spirit and has followed Me fully.” (Numbers 14:24)
John the Baptist: “Among those born of women none is greater.” (Luke 7:28)
Stephen: “A man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:5)
Barnabas: “Son of encouragement.” (Acts 4:36)
Woman Who Anointed Jesus: “She loved much.” (Luke 7:47)
It seems that what counts for eternity is not public perception or personal popularity, but the overflow of one’s heart. Man’s accomplishments never achieved heaven’s purposes. The only thing that can yield God-sized results is a humble heart fully surrendered to Something greater than oneself.
So that your FAITH might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the POWER of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5b ESV We know the Church is being corrected in some of our doctrines and beliefs regarding the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Whether it's the use of spiritual gifts, the accuracy of prophecy, or the veracity of our leaders, we are being disciplined. But this process is not meant to reduce us – it is meant to purify and empower us. It is not only our doctrines that are being tested, but our faith in a supernatural God.
In a dream the other night, I was watching a gathering where a woman was beginning to lead worship. She was describing her situation which was bleak and dry. I saw a rock sticking out of the ground as she described a hardness of soil and things not going well. And yet in spite of this, she began to speak of her faith in God and her unwavering hope in His promise to come through. She was standing alone, and yet her faith was resolute in a God that would not let her down. She began to weep and I woke up feeling the depth of her cry in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation.
I was processing with a group of intercessors last night and several were noting how many believers are facing tough spiritual battles in recent weeks. Sensing increased attacks on our health, our relationships, and our faith, we went to prayer. I then had a vision of Jesus holding a new wineskin in His hand. But it wasn't finished. He was sewing this new leather pouch by gathering up the sides to bring them together with thick thread. I was drawn to the needle He was using and His thoughtful work that required piercing every fold with this needle and thread in order to bring the sides together.