Editor's Note: This article has been re-printed from the February 2011 James Group Ministries newsletter.
Author: Steve Steele
Sacrifice.
I look back at the tremendous amount of sacrifice it has taken to keep this ministry viable and effective. The human wreckage is amazing in itself, not to mention the money. The shear embarrassment of the failures of those we choose to represent us. The letdown that follows after Satan snatches one of God’s children right out of our midst.
It always seems we choose the ones we think will surely make it only to have to watch them dragged away by what to them seems like a better way. I can’t tell you how many board members have walked away from what, in the beginning, seemed the perfect fit. Only to be overwhelmed with the tsunami of resistance from so many directions all at once. These were powerful men, dedicated to the Lord’s work and knowledgeable of the potential of this ministry. Some were elders or CEOs, others had been raised in the church and clearly were knowledgeable of the pitfalls of outreach.
Much money was contributed by whole congregations as well as very wealthy individuals. Not one of those walking away wasn’t beaten and battered by the purity of their own powerlessness alone. Much has been said in attempts to make sure everyone left behind to continue the work didn’t feel abandoned. Instead each and every one always put their own shortcomings to the forefront as the reason forleaving. “I can’t take it anymore,” was the familiar refrain.
The truth of the matter is this! They would have to be God to “take it anymore.” Can you imagine the things God sees? I can only imagine what our human struggle looks like to Him. How much more pure is His love for us than ours for each other? How much more must it hurt. How much more can He take? Why does He love us the way He does???
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