Is My Covenant Relationship in Ministry Performance-based?
Many people I have talked to recently have been discouraged because they do not seem to be “in the ministry” or a calling that was prophesied. They are asking themselves: What do I need to do to make this ministry, that I think God wants me to do, come to pass?
Ezekiel 16:60 says, “Nevertheless, I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.”
Part of the answer to their question involves reviewing their covenant relationship with the Lord. In a covenant relationship, it is not necessary for the parties involved to negotiate or earn the favor of God’s promise, because God wishes to grant such a favor for His own reasons and on His own terms. In the covenant, it is God’s expression to Himself that He will exhibit His love and care toward those He calls into this relationship. He promises that He is the One best positioned to know what we need.
It is a blessing to know that God’s covenant promise toward us does not falter and is not dependent on our performance. God continues to love us, regardless of our failures and successes, because He chooses to love us. My struggles and failures may affect my joy and hurt my communion with Him, but He does not give up on me. He guides me back to His blessings.
With all the media, politics, opinions, and frustration in our world right now, it can ignite our own negative emotions. Therefore, if we are not doing what we want to do for God, this will come out in our thinking, emotions, and communication.
A reminder of Habakkuk 2:4 may help, “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.” God’s timing is not our timing. He is transforming us. We are in His covenant where He is exchanging our character for His character. This process does take time, but His love for us is what keeps us in this covenant relationship. Performing for God may not be what He is asking of you right now. It may be to enjoy this covenant love relationship even though things are not going exactly the way you planned. His purpose for you and timing is unfolding. I encourage you to sense His presence, receive His love, and enjoy your covenant relationship that He has invited you into!
It is important to remember that ministry may be done in many different locations with many individuals. Yes, ministry takes place in churches and missions in other countries, but not only by the pastor. Jesus and his disciples ministered to people in groups and individuals in many different locations. You do not have to be a pastor to release ministry. There are opportunities for ministry in the marketplace (business) where you may be employed, in stores, restaurants, in families, with your children, and with your friends. God desires to expand ministry to many people through believers like you. This is the way He expands His covenant of love to others. He desires for you to be His hand extended to others wherever you go!
In His Covenant Love,
Richard Maisenbacher
www.thecovenantcenter.com
Covenant Outreach Ministries, Inc.
PO Box 524
Lakeland, Fl. 33802-0524
info@thecovenantcenter.com