Many times, we as leaders, find ourselves struggling to balance between acceptance by God and the acceptance of men. Most of us begin in ministry with good intentions. Our motives and desires all point to bringing God glory. Yet, there is a moment for all of us when pride attempts to creep in. That pride, in many cases, comes when someone else doubts the gift, call and anointing God has placed on our lives.
I've met many great men and women of God who fell off course trying to "prove" who they were in God. Saints of God, we must realize that in this season, the enemy is using this very thing as a trap to get you off course. It's a distraction that must be avoided at all costs. You must live a holy life, acceptable unto God. Remain steadfast in worship and allow your gifts to make room for you according to the Word of God.
Have the heart and mind of Paul, understanding that if God has truly called you, you are indeed already justified. It is not your job to "prove" this to anyone. God will handle that on your behalf.
Romans 8
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Remember, we cannot get distracted. Stay in the will of God and do the work of the ministry. Too many of us are caught up trying to vindicate ourselves. We are trying to avenge ourselves. We are trying to prove ourselves. In the meantime, worship is waxing cold and people are dying. Let's get back to God's agenda and release our own.
In the book of John, in the 20th chapter, I love Jesus' reaction to Thomas' doubt.
24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.
29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John doubted who Jesus was. Though he was a disciple, one who walked with Jesus and knew the prophesies that He shared. Yet, Thomas doubted the miracle in his midst. Have you ever been there? Have you ever been trained by a leader with whom you prayed and walked in ministry only to have them turn around and say you were never called? Have you ever trained a disciple, ministering to them with signs and wonders, only to have them return to call you a false teacher?
I submit to you that there is nothing new under the sun. Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, experienced the exact same thing. Yet, he didn't try to conjur up miracles to appease Thomas. He didn't get into a lengthy discussion to try and convince him with theology.
Instead, Jesus showed Thomas the evidence of the miracle that had already taken place in Him. People of God, realize the power of your TESTIMONY. You don't need a new prophetic word to prove who you are. Just remind them of what God has already done! Look how far He's already brought you. Look at the favor that already rests upon your life.
Do not get distracted because of doubters. Don't allow pride to creep in. Always remember, the Spirit of God moves through people. Ultimately, it's not you that is being challenged. It's God's ability to work through you that's being challenged. That's our Father's battle to fight, and He shall be victorious! Hallelujah!
Never step into a realm of witchcraft and sorcery to to prove a point. Follow the example our Savior has already given. This alone proves the presence of the Holy Spirit resting in you.
Selah.
