I shared in a couple of articles how the month of September got too toxic for me. If I’m being honest, I can say that thoughts of stopping my ministry came to my mind.
I looked back on what happened in September, and I realised that my ministry became task-oriented and didn’t feel like it flowed through the grace of Jesus.
My ministry should have been the by-product of my intimate connection with Jesus, but what happened was I prioritised the tasks in my ministry rather than my relationship with Christ.
Jesus took the backseat in my ministry, and because of this, it felt like my calling was burning me out.
Sometimes we get too focused on the tasks within our goals that they become tick-box activities. When we get engrossed in action, we forget that the goal is to seek God and be like Jesus.
Why is this important?
Matthew 6:33
New International Version (NIV)
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
When we focus on tasks, there is a risk of burn out.
When we seek Jesus, we have the confidence that He is in control.
We can have a schedule that meets the work-life balance criteria. We don’t need to freak out when things don’t go according to plan.
We know that if we seek God’s will in our lives, He will make everything work for our benefit.
How to seek Jesus?
Effort
Jeremiah 29:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
It will start with the decision to work hard in seeking Jesus.
This will require sacrifice. It means we must allot time and resources to seek Him.
We should get our calendars and plot times for reading the Bible, worship and prayer.
Prayer
Matthew 7:7-8
New International Version (NIV)
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Let’s think about our plans, goals, desires and needs. Let’s lay it all out to Jesus. It may feel awkward at first, but the more we pray, the more we will feel His presence.
Repent
2 Chronicles 7:14
New International Version (NIV)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Repentance is required when we seek God.
When we read the Bible, we will find out what He wants us to do.
When we understand His message, we should humble ourselves and obey His will even when it is against our desires.
This means we must go through a complete change of mindset, which will result in a new lifestyle. Yes, it is going to be tough.
Sum it up
The goal of Christianity is to be like Jesus, which means living a Christian life can be very challenging.
However, the Christian life is very rewarding. We will encounter a lot of battles, and we will win if we don’t quit.
That’s sweet, and it starts with seeking God first.
Thank you for reading this devotional story, and I pray that it encouraged and empowered you in your walk with Christ. Please read other devotional stories on the website. You might find Depressing Demons, Burn Out, and Cry appealing.
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