One of the first things to settle when coming into the ministry is the identity of your source. Many people have brought shame to themselves just because this question was not settled before or early enough in ministry.
I believe I owe some folks to share some of my experiences in my short apostolic journey. The Bible says to provoke one another unto good works. Sharing my testimonies with you, I believe, will provoke you unto good works. I often hope it will help someone else step out into the fulfilment of what God has for them- whether ministry or otherwise.
You see, when I set out to come to ministry, I had nothing but promises from well meaning people. Please know this from the start: NEVER EVER DEPEND ON ANY MAN. You will cripple your purpose before it begins if you depend on men. God didn’t design man to source His plan for you. Yes, I know He will use people but allow Him choose who He wants. DON’T MANIPULATE YOUR ENVIRONMENT NEITHER PEOPLE. There is no reward in that. Faith is never manipulative.
Settle this: NOBODY OWES YOU ANYTHING. Whatever they give to you is a privilege. Many Pastors, entrepreneurs, visionaries, pioneers are offended simply because you kept looking to someone to give something to you. I told myself early in ministry that I will have to forgive less if I look to no man but God. There has never been a reason for offence since that decision. When you make man your source, you have set a trap of offence for yourself because no man can fill in for God in your life. God is called our Father; the word “Father” means Source.
When we started this ministry, I intentionally deleted the phone numbers of everyone who could help me financially. I knew there will be pressures but if I can stay in it, patiently looking unto God, it will develop my faith AND IT DID.
There were two great individuals who promised me about N400, 000. It was a lot for a “Starter”. It would have gone a mighty long way. Guess what I did; I deleted their numbers (I am not saying you should do this, please be led). I finally got their numbers back when I knew I was fully aware that I CAN NEVER SINK WITH GOD. I intentionally wanted to walk on waters leaving the safety of the boat. I did. When I almost sank, He pulled me back up and walked with me and He is still doing so.
At other time- early days of the ministry- I got a call from a dear one. He is not a member of the Church and we are not even in the same city. He asked me for our account details so that he can send his tithe. From what he told me, it was going to about half a million naira. Believe me such amount at the beginning of our ministry would have done a lot of things but I turned it down because I know his tithe belongs to his local assembly and I know my source. A man that knows God as his Source is not an opportunist.
I HAVE SEEN GOD DO MIRACLES THAT WILL BEND YOUR MIND. One still happened today again. IF YOU WILL LOOK TO GOD, HE WILL HELP YOU DEFY GRAVITY. HE WILL DO BETTER THAN YOUR MANIPULATIVE SKILLS WILL DO FOR YOU. TRULY, HE IS JIREH FOLKS. GOD IS ELSHADAI. Anyone who tries to be Him will end up being “Elshadead”.
Love you.
WELCOME TO FREEDOM!