What’s the biggest problem in scheduling people for ministry? We might respond with when people cancel, especially at the last minute. Perhaps we might say not having enough people to fill all the needs. Scheduling can easily get us down if we let it. Our own negative reactions can become a bigger problem than the issues related to this task.
If Scheduling Has You Down, Remember These Truths
If easily frustrated by cancellations or angered when someone fails to show up without notice despite reminders, stop to remember that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). It’s possible this kind of reaction could “give the devil a foothold” (Eph. 4:26-27).
When doubts set in about if effective ministry can still happen and discouragement looms, remember that “if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Tim. 2:13). Thankfully results in ministry aren’t up to us. His power shines through in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).
What to Do About Our Negative Reactions to Scheduling Woes
These kinds of reactions come naturally. We must make a conscientious choice to gain perspective.
Rather than let frustration and anger take over, pray for the person. Though we wouldn’t consider the person an enemy or persecutor, we would do well to apply Jesus’ exhortation in Matthew 5:44-45. In the moment we aren’t very happy with this person as he/she is potentially harming the ministry. — “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
When doubts and discouragement set in, trust God to work despite a less-than-ideal situation. Hold up that shield of faith to “extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph. 6:16). Don’t quench the Spirit at work in and through you because of negative reactions and attitudes (1 Thess. 5:19). Take thoughts captive and replace them with truth (1 Cor. 10:5).
We serve among people who, like us, are fallen human beings. Scheduling won’t always go well no matter how efficient we might be. We can put measures in place but can’t control the actions of others. We can, however, with God’s help, control our reactions.
Go To: Resources on Divine Weapons for Spiritual Warfare
All Posts about Scheduling:
- Considerate Scheduling
- Purposeful Scheduling
- Scheduling Leave Room for the Great Commission?
- Christ-like Scheduling is Flexible
- Scheduling Woes
- Gospel-Centered Scheduling
- Prayer-Based Scheduling Needed
- Prayer-Based Scheduling Makes a Difference
- Even Scheduling Needs God’s Power
- Spiritual Gifts for Scheduling
- God’s Grace in Scheduling
- Need Help with Scheduling?
- Scheduling in the Name of the Lord?
- Frustrated by the Task of Scheduling?
- Scripture Thoroughly Equips Us, Even for Scheduling
- Scheduling Have You Down?
- Good Stewardship in Scheduling