God gave me a public “No!”
…and that’s okay.
In 2021, God dropped a powerful vision into my heart—a children and youth ministry. I was in a distant and challenging place, serving a community that needed guidance. God’s calling was clear: teach the Gospel and equip these young minds for their future careers.
We kicked off the program, and it was a success, but I sensed a deeper calling. God wanted us to forge a closer, more intimate relationship with Him. And so “In His Light Revival Night” was born. Every Friday night for over a year, we gathered to pray and seek His presence.
As time went on, my job began to interfere with our programs. Yet, deep inside, I knew God’s desire for us was to truly know Him, to be His reflection, and to carry out good works. We were to be a generation set apart for His purpose.
With the dawn of 2023, I had the idea of launching a program. I announced it eagerly, but God had a different plan. His words were clear: “I didn’t initiate this. My presence won’t go with you on this.” I had to halt our plans, despite the physical and emotional stress I had invested.
I’ve learned that anything God ordains flows with ease. Working with Him has always been effortless. This endeavor felt different, confirming that God wasn’t with me on this project.
Simultaneously, God instructed me to cease the activities in our fellowship. We had been praying in tongues every weekday at 5 a.m. for 30 minutes, following His guidance from the month of June. I thought we should continue, but God had other plans.
It mirrored the time when He told me to stop hosting revival nights for the fellowship I was leading. I wrestled with God before finally obeying. I had just announced our first physical gathering in July, and this turn felt embarrassing. But God made it clear: that vision wasn’t from Him.
Surprisingly, God nudged me to start a Christian prophetic shirt for our community of believers. This started in July and is slowly evolving into what God originally proposed.
If God will not have me steward the fellowship again, I’m okay with it. It was never mine to begin with. However God steers His fellowship, my role is to follow faithfully. It’s more beneficial to WALK with God than to WORK for Him.
My relationship with Jesus must never be the opportunity cost of my purpose, ministry or career. Christ comes first, above my own self.
This year has taught me the humility of admitting when I’m wrong. There’s nothing quite like publicly acknowledging a misstep in your divine calling. I’ve learned it’s better to step back and follow God’s correction than to persist in error.
For those seeking to discern God’s voice or gain clarity about their purpose or assignment, I recommend the following resources:
- Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks by Priscillar Shirer
- The Secret Place by Dale Fife
- How You Can Be Led by The Spirit of God by Kenneth Haggin
Access these and other resources here
The LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest — everything will be fine for you.”
Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favourably on me — on me and on your people — if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”
Exodus 33:14 NLT
You can shop for ‘In His Light Tribe’ customized shirts here.
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