Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: The One
Recently I was talking to a friend who was discouraged that her ministry efforts seemed not to be growing even though she felt she was being led of God.
We can all have days when we don’t bring our A-Game. And sometimes we need to brush up on our skills. However, sometimes on those flat days, the message the Lord is sending through us really isn’t for the masses, but for a few, specific people—maybe even just one.
We serve a very personal God. He is willing to leave the crowd to pursue the one sheep who is lost or hurt. We are part of a flock, but we are individually and personally loved. He died for all mankind, but He also died specifically for us.
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?” – Matthew 18:12.
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?
~Matthew 18:12 NIV
In some fields, we plant. In others, we harvest what was planted by another. It is the Spirit of God that draws souls and causes the seed to grow, and not we ourselves. To believe otherwise feeds our ego, which sets us up for disappointment and a fall (Pro 16:18).
Our mission field can be a coliseum full of people or a nation. Other times it may be one solitary person. We make a mistake if we focus too much on numbers or observable responses as our measure of success. There is more than meets the eye. When it comes down to it, only the Lord’s opinion counts. And if we are obedient, we are successful.
Are you willing to forego the accolades of the multitude to obediently pursue the one? Pursuing the one may not make the evening news, but to that one, a timely cup of living water, in Jesus’ name, can refresh a parched soul about to expire in the desert.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
~Galatians 6:9 NIV
To obey is better than sacrifice, beloved (1 Sam 15:22). “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9.
Don’t give up. Rest in God’s approval before you see numbers if ever, reflect that truth.
What are your priorities for ministry? Are you willing to minister to the one as well as the multitude?
Father God, I love You. Encourage Your weary servant. Pour out a blessing for service in both abundant and lean fields. I ask for a change of heart, that obedience will be my passion, and Your glory, my reward. Fill me with wisdom, that I will not hunger to draw in the praises of men, but rather serve as Your vessel that pours out glory at the feet of Jesus. With that joy in mind, may I serve You faithfully, whether ministering to multitudes, or washing the feet of one. When You call me, may my spirit respond, “Here am I, Lord. Send me” (Isaiah 68:1).
In Jesus’ s Name, Amen.
Copyright 2020: The One: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved