THE DISCIPLINE OF THE CALLED 5

We were to host a meeting, and we had a list of seven speakers. It was to be a great meeting. Some were travelling from great distances. They were accomplished people in their fields. However, there was a challenge—as the meeting day got closer, there was not enough money to give to our guests as an honorarium or to buy gifts. The pressure was mounting. 

As we inched closer, I had an option- Keep pretending and find a way to sort it all or simply reach out to our guests and tell them the truth. It was a tough choice, but I followed the latter. I sent a mail to all the speakers mentioning our plight and urged them to stay back if need be. I told each speaker that it would not affect our relationship in any way. I just wanted to be sincere and vulnerable.

All the speakers showed up. They were amazingly supportive but that was the last time I was under that kind of pressure.

Beloved, do not put yourself under pressure. Pressure will lead you to lie. I have been to meetings where they promised to send an honorarium to me and to date, nothing has happened. It is not honourable. It is better to mention your challenges. There are times when some invited guests are willing to bear all their costs. It should however not be a pattern.

Pressure will lead you to prove a point. Please, you are not in a competition. You need to calm down. Focus on the work. Disciple and train one soul at a time. 

II Corinthians 10:12 NKJV

[12] For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Pressure will lead you into borrowing. There are ministries burdened with debts. They have loans from banks, people and even some church members. A debt places you in bondage. Build your faith instead.  Follow the process. 

You do not have to do a 22-day meeting. You do not need ten guests. You do not need to even host many or any special meetings. Stay consistent.  Grow peacefully.

This is the key- if you invest in your people, they will grow to become as sound and graced as some of those you desire to host. It may take time, but it gives you the blessing of men. Those men will become a rare gift to you and to many around them.  Invest in your five stones. They can bring giants down.

You would have laid a solid foundation for the work.  Settle down and write training manuals for young converts. Develop Discipleship Materials for businessmen (your own Peter, Matthew, James, and John). Sharpen your own gifts and calling.  Work on that cutting edge that the Lord has blessed you with. Wield the sword in faith. See the victory of the Lord.

Stop trying to prove any point. You do not need it.

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa