Con’t from front….. Our words, prophecies, and expectations aren’t being met the way we thought! Why, it doesn’t seem we’re winning at all. As a matter of fact, all hell is breaking out around us. Suddenly we become sick, lose money, things break, people get mad at you, relationships fizzle, and your support system disappears! Is the Word of God not true for me in my life? Was there not some condition I didn’t meet? Am I in sin? Am I under judgment? Did I offend so many people that God simply has labeled me an Ichabod? How could one of us, most everyone reading this article is saved, filled with the Spirit, and ministering in the power of present truth and revelation knowledge, not be fulfilling the call and destiny that we seem to, or should be by people’s expectations, be called? How can the opinions that each person holds and the schedule that many people think we should be meeting not be correct and provide each one of them the satisfaction to know they are right? I mean, in our ministry here in Asheville it looks like we’ve lost the battle all last year compared to our previous year. It looks like God is closing us down since we really don’t have the finances any longer to pay our bills. It looks like nobody loves us enough to come and wallow in the heavy anointing that still hovers in our midst every time we gather on Patton Ave for worship and prayer. The numbers all around are diminishing. People think we’re all washed up. Many in this region tell others we’re under judgment and the Holy Ghost is no longer there. Some even think we’re not doing things the way they think so we must not be going to succeed at all! Can you imagine? I am so thankful to hear God and be able to have the character of patience to allow Him to work out His plan His way! We may lose more than two battles but God has a strategy for us that is far beyond what we see now or even in the near future. I am so glad He has taught me how to wait on Him and not get anxious by other people’s opinions or expectations. We don’t live by opinions or expectations of man. We live by the Word the proceeds out of the mouth of God. Oh, there may be other ministries that seem more successful or prosperous. But I, nor God, am not comparing what we are called to do with the calling and function of any other body parts. We are unique. We are important. We serve according to obedience just like the tribes did after they lost two huge battles and thousands of warriors. We too may lose thousands but we have to rest assured that God has His plan in motion no matter what any outcome looks like in the present. In your daily life there may be opportunities lost and money or people that come and go that seem not to conform to what you thought was going to be your destiny and how it all plays out. Be Faithful! Stay the course! Even if you hear from God, as we do, and you still lose a battle or two don’t change your mind! Don’t quit just because things aren’t matching your expectations or even your opinion of how things should go. Don’t look at the grass on the other side of the fence. It only looks greener from where you are. Once you get there, it’s the same ole’ grass! In the story, Judges 20, they too inquired of the Lord. The received directions from the counsel of God and still lost! Now, how many of us get direction from our counsel and then when things don’t go right run the other direction, pointing fingers, spreading gossip, talking about judgment, and literally telling others that minister or ministry is an Ichabod? How many of us pull our support or run to a “safe” place where no one is giving directions and challenging you beyond your comfort spot on your holy couch of good intention? Are you gathering yourself in a place of acceptability (apathy?) according to your own opinion and expectations or are you sticking with the counsel of God He has directed you no matter if you think you’re on a losing team? The tribes of Israel were obedient and thousands lost their life! What a sacrifice for the good God was working out in them. I’m not trying to lay condemnation on anyone for missing their mark. What I am saying is get in the right place and stay there even if it kills you! Your reward is not on this Earth, but you are laying up treasures in Heaven that are eternal. The level of reward for you eternally is based on the level of sacrifice you are willing to bear even now. Don’t go with the flow that feels right, go with the Word of God, where He says to go, when He says to go, and how He says to go. Get confirmation on your direction. He is faithful to speak through His prophets and His Word to provide you with the peace to enter in and remain in the war He has for your victory! The Christian life was never meant to be lived on the couch of comfort. It is meant, as Jesus said when He walked the Earth, to bring a sword and to bring the Kingdom of God on Earth as it is in HEAVEN! SOTERIA® is a Love based Church with IRS tax exempt status. We very much appreciate your support and pledge to apply all gifts to where God leads us in our mission. Please send your Love Gift to: PO Box 7, Mars Hill, NC 28754 Receipts sent yearly. THANK YOU! CONTACT INFORMATION: If you need information please call 828-350-7744 or email - Pastor Ernest H. Hays pastor@soteriaministries.org CHECK OUR WEWBSITE - WWW.SOTERIAMINISTRIES.ORG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN GIFTS!