Ministry can be very challenging at times. Seeking to advance the gospel is sure to be met by opposition. In fact, as G. Campbell Morgan once said, "If you have no opposition in the place you serve, you’re serving in the wrong place." This is something we all need to reflect on from time to time. As such, here is what one of our church members had to say about his experience in ministry:

"It never ceases to amaze me over and over again; God takes the same words that we’ve read repeatedly and convicts, rebukes, refines, and encourages us. This week has been filled with hardship. I’ve experienced trials in ministry, challenges with family, and the remembrance of a lost one. Should I take comfort in the fact that the trials that I’m facing are nothing compared to those of the citizens of Haiti? That my hardships are empty in the light of a man imprisoned for proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Is my joy to come in the contrast to the pain and suffering of others?

In Philippians we read about Paul, a man who has been imprisoned a second time for proclaiming the gospel. First when he saved the young woman from an unclean spirit. Here he was mocked, beaten and imprisoned for his ministry; and yet he sang (Acts 16:6-23). He’s imprisoned a second time, this time in Rome. Faces death, hardship, and rivalry; and he rejoices. This clearly demonstrates the paradox in “what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel”. It clearly demonstrates the mind of Christ.

The gospel doesn’t tell me to compare my life to others in order to satisfy myself in my suffering. It doesn’t tell me to look at others and be glad that I’m not them. The gospel calls us to “stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.” Paul’s words to the Philippians have been an encouragement to me to press on in trial; with joy! Encouraging me to find my joy in the furtherance of the gospel, and with my faith in God. This study has been an excellent re-alignment in what’s of first importance. It has also been used by God to expose some of the pride in my life that needs to be put to death. My prayer is that I can fully come to appreciate the fullness that Paul found in the cross and to be able to proclaim the gospel as boldly as he did."