ISEMA Newsletters
Be Strong In The Lord
by Larry Rosenbaum
Everyone who is involved in Christian ministry will experience times of discouragement. After Elijah`s great victory over the prophets of Baal, he ran into the wilderness after being threatened by Jezebel. He felt that he was the only one left who was faithful to God, but God assured him that he had 7000 left who had not bowed the knee to Baal. (1 Kings 19:18)
The ministry of Paul the apostle had its moments of victory, but largely it was one of tremendous suffering and opposition. He was beaten at least eight times, stoned, shipwrecked, and spent many years in prison. Other Christians questioned his apostleship and several of his closest friends deserted him. When Paul and Silas were jailed at Philippi, at midnight they were singing praises to God. Paul wrote most of his epistles from jail, yet they are filled with joy and encouragement. At the end of his life, Paul wrote from prison, “At my first defense, no one came to my sup port, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17)
The Bible promises us that if we are to serve God we will suffer persecution, afflictions and tribulations. We will be rejected by the world and often also by other Christians. There will be times when we won`t understand why God does something or doesn’t answer some prayer. Peter writes us, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happen ing to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Many American Christians have been taught, and come to expect, that the Christian life should be easy, that problems should be small and easily overcome through faith in Christ. When persecution comes from preaching the Gospel, they think they must be outside God`s will so they stop witnessing. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
True disciples of Christ have always known that the Christian life is not easy. In fact, it is very hard. It will include much persecution, afflictions and suffering. There will be times of disappointments and discouragement. Yet we must persevere in the work God has called us to do.
Here are some things that will help you deal with discouragement:
1. Know what God has called you to do. Seek God in prayer and study His word. Fast and pray for direction. Once you know what God wants you to do, continue to fulfill that vision regardless of circumstances.
2. Learn to praise God in all circumstances. “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22) Remember how Paul and Silas were in prison singing praise to God when the earthquake came.
3. Avoid “formula Christianity.” Every Christian who sings praises at midnight in a prison won`t be delivered by an earthquake. When we expect God to act according to our formulas, we set ourselves up for disappointment. We need to consider God`s promises in context and in light of His entire Word.
4. Expect hardships, disappointments and persecutions. God promises that we will experience them. As Peter said, don`t be surprised when they occur.
5. Avoid self-pity. Get involved in serving and praying for others. At their worst, our problems are small compared to those of the unsaved. We have much to thank God for. His greatest gift to us, of course, is our salvation.
6. Resist the devil. Discouragement is one of Satan`s favorite tools. He tells us, as I`m sure he told the apostle Paul, that our work is in vain. Remember that Satan is a liar.
7. Remember our hope in Christ. Throughout history, Godly people have realized that their hope is in the return of Christ and our living forever with Him. People may laugh about “pie in the sky when you die” but we know that our “blessed hope” is a sure one. Without it, there is no reason to endure the persecutions and sufferings we experience serving Christ.
Today, American Christians find that they can have a pretty comfortable life, without persecution and not too many afflictions, by not witnessing for Christ or by watering down the Gospel so it doesn’t offend anyone. Many have fallen for this temptation. Don’t let it happen to you.
Coming Events
August 5-8 Soul Explosion, Richmond, VA Coliseum. Contact Urban Harvest, 2401 Byron St., Richmond, VA 23223, (804) 675-0631.
Sat. August 21. San Francisco Worship rally and outreach. 3-6 PM. Powell St. BART Station. Contact SOS Ministries Box 27358, Oakland, CA 94602, (510) 531-5325.
August 18-21 Dunamis 1993 Conference. Mario Murillo, Tommy Barnett, Sonny Arguinzoni, Scott Hinkle and others. Church on the Way, Van Nuys, CA. Contact Mario Murillo Ministries, Box 5027, San Ramon, CA 94583, 800-777-0188.
September 3-5 Chicago Jazz Festival Outreach. Contact No Greater Love Box 263, DuQuoin, IL 62832, (618) 542-4503.
September 23-25 National Street Ministries Conference, Dallas, TX. Tommy Barnett, Rich Wilkerson, Winkie Pratney, John Dawson. Contact NSMC, P O Box 380306, Duncanville, TX 75138, (214) 283- 3900.
October 2-10 Balloon Fiesta Outreach, Albuquerque, NM. Contact Christ in Action, Box 100, Chatsworth, GA 30705, (706) 695-1868.
The Pope is coming to Denver in August. Want to witness to the crowd that will gather? Contact Gilbert & Lynn Zertuche, Fishers of Men, 2308 W 34th Ave., Denver, CA 80211.
Forward Edge is sending outreach teams to Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Crow Indian Reservation, Romania, Kazakhstan, and China this next year. Most outreaches are about two weeks long. For more information write or call them at 15121-A NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver WA 98686, (206) 574-EDGE.
A Final Word
Summer is the most popular time for outreaches. We encourage you to plan to attend at least one outreach this summer. Then send us a report on what happened so others can be encouraged. Also, don’t forget to order the 1993 International Street & Evangelism Ministry Directory. This contains a listing of over 500 ministries–name, address, phone number and a brief description of the ministry. It will help you become familiar with other ministries in your area and around the world.
I urge you to attend the National Street Ministries Conference, September 23-25 in Dallas. This is a gathering of hundreds of Christians interested in street ministry from all over the country. It is an opportunity to receive practical teaching, encour agement, and best of all to fellowship with others who are interested in street ministry. I hope to be able to attend the conference this year.
Our Tape of the Month is Small Town Evangelism by Scott Crawford. In this tape, Scott shares his experiences witnessing in small towns. Many evangelists focus their energy on reaching people in the large cities, but we also need to reach those who live in smaller towns.
Yours in His love,
Larry Rosenbaum
