KEEP GOING!

Galatians 1:11–12 (ESV)

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Examine / Explain

A commentary speaks of Paul’s nonconformity to the other apostle’s method of receiving the gospel and his ministry is proof that he is not really of God. Paul states that the Gospel came straight from Jesus and that Jesus himself set his ministry in motion.

What’s the application?

I think about the Hope Over Coffee ministry. I hear podcasts and great wisdom of being under the authority of a pastor and the sending of people who need this pastor to agree. Then I read Galatians and think about Paul and his experience with Jesus. His was a divine display of calling and his life was put into motion to advance the King of God. Is our calling any less spiritual or significant even if we don’t lose our sight for three days? I may not have others telling me that HOC is a fraud and that I’m not of God for doing it. But I do fight the lies in my head. Things like… It should have a different name. HOC is lame. Or I’m not worthy of this calling. What impact could I make with this? Then I see an increase in YouTube subscribers. I have men tell me I’m doing great and keep up the good work. But none of it from a “spiritual leadership” standpoint. Have I put myself on an island? Am I really fulfilling a calling the proper way? Am I overanalyzing? YES! Is it easier for the enemy to get me to question what I am doing than a full-out assault on my ministry? I think so. Subtle attacks toward me and my thoughts are way more powerful than a wall of opposition. With strong opposition, I believe I could see the enemy and be like ” Oh this is good opposition.” KEEP GOING!

What’s the response?

Dad, I need to keep calm, have faith, and hustle! As a deep thinker, I have this blessing and curse of analyzing everything. The capability to see multiple steps ahead but also to get stuck and fixate on a minute detail. Then I can cause my life to stall out and need a kick to get moving again. Help me or teach me how to sit still and trust you. For me to accept You for who You are and for You to have good things planned. That in the hard times, it’s not that You love me less. It’s that life is just hard. And you are going to turn ashes into Your glory. Please give me the energy to remain steadfast. James 1:12. Help me to keep going! Amen.