2 Secrets To Perseverance In Ministry

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

This is one of the verses from the iconic hymn, Amazing Grace. This was written by John Newton who was once a slave trader, and had his life changed by the Grace of God.

Only God can take a man like John Newton, change him, and then have him write this famous hymn.

This verse speaks to John’s reality and ours too.

There’s no doubt we’ve faced many dangers, toils and snares. Yet by his grace and goodness, we’re here to tell our story.

“The goodness of God endures continually.”

Psalms 52:1

It’s his goodness, grace and mercy that we are still here. In fact, if we’re not dead, he’s not done. There’s something more for us, and what he starts in our lives, he promised to complete in our lives. 

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6

So, as ministry leaders how do we navigate these dangers, toils and snares?

One step at a time!

The reality is, there comes a day when it is a challenge to keep going, where we want to quit and give up, where it’s too heavy to carry and we’re overwhelmed beyond our capacity.

Have you been there?

I have. 

Every leader in the ministry will face these days but if we know how to keep going, we can make it.

Dangers, toils and snares are navigated one step at a time. 

So, here’s two ways to move forward one step at a time: 

1st – Remember the Steps You’ve Already Taken

When things get tough it’s easy for us to forget how far we’ve come. But if we can remember the steps we’ve taken, we can get courage and confidence to move forward one more step. The truth is we’ve walked through so many things and sometimes we don’t realize how far we’ve come. 

That’s why remembering the previous steps of faith does so much for our mental focus and faith. 

The enemy says you can’t make it and you should quit. God says you’ve already made it through so much and I will help you through this too. 

The enemy says God won’t do this for you. God says I already have done so much and I won’t fail.

When we remember our steps, we dismantle the enemy’s lies. When we remember our steps, we get a picture of what God will do next. 

Look at the steps you’ve taken and then look forward and take your next step.

“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”

Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5

2nd – Relive Past Victories

This is what David did when his wives, children, and belongings were taken from him. His men wanted to kill him because their families and possessions were taken. He was threatened and overwhelmed. But the Bible says he encouraged himself in the Lord (see 1 Samuel 30:6).

This is what we can do when we face dangers, toils and snares. 

Reliving past victories is not looking for the good all days, but rather it’s looking back to see what God has done. This stirs our faith to believe what He will do.

There’s something powerful that happens when we remember.

I encourage you today to take time to write out past victories. If you’re facing a day where you want to quit, before you do, think back to what God has done. He has moved more for you than you know and He won’t quit now. He will not fail.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬

This is how we move forward one step at a time.

The dangers, toils and snares will give proof that our God is able to do miracles and he will bring you through.

Take your next step. The best is yet to come!

PD