I have been serving God since July 11th, 1976 and through all these years I have see just about every form of trial and struggle imaginable come upon those who really love God. Especially for those who have surrendered themselves to the call of fulltime ministry, devastating events can be a turning point of great significance. I have watched many begin the race with innocent enthusiasm only to find them a few years later wandering and wondering what in the world they had gotten themselves into. The war they encountered on the battlefield of faith had taken it's toll in more ways than one and they were unprepared for what came. The rose-colored glasses had been taken off and the unenhanced reality of in-the-trenches ministry was in full bloom. 

These were good people who had seen staunch supporters become aggressive adversaries. They had helplessly watched as those who were called to be pillars in the church pulled out in anger and took others with them. They had experienced betrayal and wounding at every level from those who had once lifted their hands in encouragement and support. Worst of all many had realized all too late that the sacrifice of family and time still did not stop the division, strife, lies and discord that came. Most often that discord came through those who took the time the ministers family should have had. In other words, they had been dealing with broken people in a fallen world. 

Ultimately, the price every minister pays for the call they answer is far greater than they ever imagine. The broken relationships and angry words that happen often leave within them far more than just bad memories. Such things also deposit deep emotional wounds and scars of mistrust that have the potential to change them dramatically. The answer to all this is simple. Unless Jesus becomes the center of all we do, these things will rob us of our innocence and can harden our hearts in a thousand different ways. In the final analysis, if satan can't get us to compromise our beliefs, morals or character, he can stop us dead in the water if we simply become hardened in heart and self protective.      

The great thing here is that there is good news! When we center our heart and vision on Jesus alone, we rise above every hurt or betrayal the world has to offer. We can find and live in the place of joy, healing and hope that the world so desperately needs. James 1:2-4 says "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." When the world the flesh and the devil seek to infect us with bitterness, in Christ we can "consider it all joy". Here is where real victory is found. It is and always has been "in Christ" and that means in His Love! No matter what others do, remember this one great truth, He will never leave us or forsake us. In him is fullness of joy and in that joy is all the love, strength, healing and power we will ever need.

Prophet Bill Emmons

Prophetic Destiny Ministry

www.pdministry.org