My Testimony
I want to share a bit of my own testimony today, as we close out this week dealing with difficult people.
I was 16 when I felt called to ministry. I would watch our minister preach and lead the church services and I just had this overwhelming feeling that I had to do that. But in those years, and onto my late teens and even my early 20s, I was very bad with people. In fact I had very poor people skills, and I remember saying to myself "I'll be a lecturer in theology, sure- but I don't want to be a pastor, because people are stupid." I even remember once telling my folks that one day I would preach a sermon series called "People Are Stupid." That's how bad it was.
How God Changes Us
Then at age 28 I finally decided to take the plunge and enter the ministry. As I stood before the Benoni Methodist circuit to share my call to preaching, I remember saying that I felt like Jonah – that I’d been running from my call, but now was the time to begin! Read or listen to this full devotion on my Patreon page here – for a monthly amount of your choice.
When dealing with difficult people, patience is key. Are you willing to offer people the same patience you’d want them to give you?
When dealing with difficult people, remember to be gentle – a true sign of your strength.
If you want to deal with difficult people, begin by being humble.
Gratitude to God is not just good manners - it opens the door to deeper blessing. Derek Wilson encourages us to go to God today and say a heartfelt thank you for what He has done for us.
Barnabas willingly stepped out of the spotlight so that Paul could step into his calling, choosing humility over status. Are you willing to step back so that someone else can step forward?
Barnabas didn't just open doors for others - he walked alongside them, investing in their growth and keeping them true to the Lord. Who in your life could grow deeper in faith with your encouragement?
Barnabas stood up for the newly converted Paul when no one else would, modelling a grace that gives people a second chance. Is there someone in your life who needs you to stand up for them today?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to every believer - not just the apostles, not just the early church. Ask God today whether you have truly been filled with His Spirit, and seek that fullness if you haven't.
Faithfulness in small things, done for the glory of God, is what makes an ordinary life truly extraordinary. Live fully for Jesus today - wherever you are.
The most lasting legacy of faith is often built at home, not on a platform. Consider today whether the people closest to you are experiencing the reality of your faith.
Extraordinary faith often begins with ordinary, unglamorous service. Ask God today where He is calling you to serve - and do it willingly, like Philip.
Stephen was chosen by the apostles because he was known as a man full of faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit - a challenge to examine what others see when they look at you.
Thank you for your support my friends! In your extra devotion today, we look at Peter's words about a deep, reverent fear of the Lord which shows what Spirit-filled maturity truly looks like. Consider whether your life is marked by the holy, reverent fear of God that honours Him in all you do.
When Peter received the Holy Spirit, the fumbling and failures of his earlier years gave way to extraordinary fruit - bold preaching, miraculous healing, and remarkable courage. Examine today what fruit the Spirit has produced in your life, and ask God to fill you afresh.
Thank you for the support my friends! For your extra devo today, I want to share my own testimony of learning to love people