At What Cost?

My parents used to say, “Anything worth having is worth fighting for.” Sometimes the journey to destiny is just that, a fight. When Esther was selected as a candidate to become queen, she spent an entire year being scrutinized and groomed before she got the crown (Esther 1 and 2). I imagine some of the other hopefuls undermined and sniped at her. Esther could not allow herself to be distracted. Passing the initial tests earned her a crown, but the crown positioned her to save her people. She had to overcome doubt, fear of disappointing herself, and fear of death. 

There are tough challenges on your road to destiny. Will you push through the things that block your path? Are you willing to pay the price? Will you fight to stay focused? Please, don't give up. You have what it takes to keep moving. Ask yourself, “What am I willing to suffer?” Queen Esther was confronted by her elder (Cousin Mordecai) who reminded her that if she would not go to the King uninvited, God would use someone else. She humbled herself and admitted it would be impossible to move forward without guidance from the Lord and the support of her people. Gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16). It was a do or die moment.

There is no getting to destiny without opposition. Esther contended with enemies. Her determination was bolstered not only by prayers, but eventually, the King’s favor.  She kept moving even though she was scared. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear. Don't let fear control you.  

The cost of destiny is the sacrifice of your plans and desires if they are not in line with what God has called you to do. It is a persistent and perpetual posture of humility, even when it hurts. It is an unshakable resolve to move forward no matter the price. It is understanding that you need good relationships with those above you (leaders) those beside you (peers) and those you serve. The ultimate cost of destiny is relinquishing your will for God’s.

What Does Ministry Mean To Me?

It would be so easy to compromise myself—all in the name of ministry advancement.  I want my songs played both on Internet and Terrestrial Radio, but I am not willing to make wrong moves to accomplish that. I truly believe that God makes a path for me.

I could insert myself where I want. I could do any number of things to seek to oblige or compel others to put me in places that would provide added exposure. The truth and the fact of the matter is—I don’t want anything for myself that God does not want for me. That often means simply being okay with the fact that responses will not always be favorable. When they are not, I am not broken up about it.  This is where peace comes in - Trusting God to make the moves for me.  

I have assurance that seeming setbacks, slow pace,  rejection, unexplained cancellations, airplay, no play, ministry events that touch a heart, change a life, favor, are all controlled by my heavenly Father who is my beginning, my ending—the sole author of my story.

  

I want to share God’s heart, His nature/character, His amazing love  - in all I do and say.  That means my life, not just a ministry event where I have a chance to sing and showcase my gift, but my entire life must always be a reflection of Him.  

He is the   author of your story too. Hang tight!  He’s working it out for you.  Have peace in the midst of that process, because only then can you offer real ministry from an unpolluted stream. Trust God!