Embracing Your Need for Prayer Ministry to Live in Victory
From commercials that communicate the type of car you should drive, the type of body you need to have, to the way our culture celebrates excelling performance, it can feel embarrassing to have any sort of problem. This can keep you from embracing your need for prayer ministry. This embarrassment can serve to turn off your EQ(emotional intelligence) and keep you stuck. So we end up not overcoming financial problems, body weight struggles, or emotional challenges.
Skill Set Breakdown
In 2007, in the city of Akure, Nigeria, there were 200 pastors in our conference on the Father’s Love. After one of the messages, the event coordinator told me, “Many pastors are coming up to me saying they have never heard anyone preach with such openness about their lives.” He then said, “Ministers here never share struggles, only strengths.”
In Nigerian church culture, leaders do not have permission to have problems – therefore, all church members do not have permission to have problems.
This produces an atmosphere where everyone puts up a front of being in faith and victory at all times, while often their family lives are in shambles.
I believe I can make a case that part of Jesus’ anointing manifested as emotional intelligence (EQ). He was secure and not moved by the opinions of others. He had no need for a name in lights or a position. He could wash feet and yet walk in authority. He could set boundaries with intimidating people and yet show great compassion. He could ask questions that helped people understand their heart, and yet challenge them to come up higher, like with the woman at the well or the woman caught in adultery.
What was Jesus’ key? He told us, “I am meek and lowly of heart.” (Matt. 11:29) He was teachable; He only did what He saw His Father do.
Now, how does this apply to you?
How to Live in High Victory Regardless of the Economy, Politics, or Cultural Pressures
We can embrace this same mindset Jesus had – contrary to the world system. We can value meekness over performance. We can embrace the fact that…
It’s Normal to Need Ministry
One person jokingly said, “There are two types of Christians, those who know they need ministry and those in denial.”
Do you value people speaking into your life? Nothing is easier than self-deception. When you regularly seek counseling and mentoring, you get on the path to maturity and fruitfulness in the Christian life. Accountability allows us to get real and see growth.