I have a small stack of tracts on my bookshelf. They are the final remnants of the 2,000 tracts that were ordered last October.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pass out those tracts, yet there has been no fruit from it (that I know of).
This isn’t to say that people don’t take the tracts, most do! But rarely have they led to an opportunity to share the Gospel, and there have been no decisions to accept Christ.
To be honest the lack of fruit gets me down sometimes. It makes me feel as if the entire work of ministry relies upon me. So if I don’t accomplish the work, it won’t get done.
But thats not true!
It isn’t my job to bring fruit….thats Gods job
My job is to faithfully do the work, even if I don’t see any fruit
It is incredibly important that I realise my job is to consistently obey God. Otherwise, anytime things don’t work out perfectly Satan can tell me that I’ve “failed’ , and I will believe it. Even worse. I will endeavour to do the work of God in my own strength instead of His!
On the other hand, when I understand faithfulness is my job, I can do it with confidence!
- So I put on my hat and sunglasses
- Pass out tracts in the community, and engage with Vincentians
- And return with a sweat-soaked shirt, but an understanding I’ve done my job
Ministry is throwing the seed of the Gospel far and wide, knowing that God the Father will bring fruit.
Johnhwilburn.org 