This past year has been a challenging one on many fronts. It has been a roller coaster ride of joy and frustration. God has been teaching me many things and someday I’ll pass them along. However, one of the things I’m learning is that God really does see things differently than we do. I read this today and it literally stopped me in my tracks.
“There is always the temptation to look at someone and judge the amount of God’s blessing upon his life based upon the number of people who have chosen to follow him. But if numbers tell the whole story, we would have to assume that God removed His blessing from Jesus toward the end of His ministry! In the weeks prior to His crucifixion the crowds began to wane. In the end there were only a handful of faithful men and women who dared to be associated with Him. Followship is not an accurate indicator of one’s worthiness to be followed.” Andy Stanley–The Next Generation Leader.
Too often I’ve judged the favor of God based upon whether or not all the numbers were up and to the right. How wrong I was. Next time you are tempted to think that you are any less blessed because the numbers are down and nobody is asking you to speak at conferences just remember that Jesus’ numbers dropped too and He never spoke at a conference either. Your journey is unique! Enjoy it!
Bro that is great stuff! I planted 4 years ago and obviously we are not as big as I thought or dreamed and have had to learn what you posted. Just because you don’t grow to 3,000 people in 4 years doesn’t mean God has any less favor on your life and does not mean you are out of His will. You are right, Jesus was in God’s perfect will and He lost numbers by the day! Thanks for letting us see your heart.
This has been one of the toughest lessons I have had to learn, and am still learning. Leading when everything isn’t up and to the right is tough. It will really make you check your ego and motives at the door. Thanks for your feedback!
The number of people following you is not nearly as important as the kind of people who are following you. Genuine Christ followers attract genuine Christ followers.