Overcoming feeling insignificant
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
One Christmas season I was reading hurriedly through the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew. As I was waiting to get to the “good stuff,” I sensed God speak to me. “Steve, you are part of the genealogy of the great end-time revival. You are also included in many other big things that have been done and will be done.”
As I read this genealogy, a couple of things struck me. First, none of those mentioned really knew that their highest purpose was for something that would occur after they died. They had a seed in them to pass on that was greater than any obvious assignment. Second, they lived in varied spiritual climates. Some lived in a revival culture, while others were living in backslidden times. Even so, they all were vital in God’s big picture of things.
We once helped a church during a tough time when they were without a pastor and had only four people attending. We sent preachers over on Sundays and helped in various other ways. During this six-month period, there were times it looked like the church should be closed. We believed otherwise and persevered. Now they have a new pastor, attendance has skyrocketed, souls are being saved and children are being touched. Praise God! We were part of the genealogy for that church and community. Our names are written in heaven; and when the full harvest of their destiny is realised, we will be celebrated with the “Josephs and Mary’s” who participated in the fulfilment of a promise.
Few see the significance of what they are doing while they are doing it, but we can walk in a victorious mindset if we realise that we are a part of a chain of events in many different situations. It is like a relay race where only the last runner crosses the finish line, but all the other runners on the team receive the same prize. So, by faith, let’s “plant” and “water” like never before. God has promised He will give the increase. We will make a difference.
extract from ‘Victorious Mindsets’ by Steve Backlund 2008