Lifting the Load of Ministry Off Your Leader’s Shoulder  - Part III
The Danger of Being Out of Position
by Dr. John Tetsola

Last month we saw how everyone benefits when your leader is positioned to stand in the strength of his anointing. As we embrace the New Year, recognize the significance of being spiritually and emotionally positioned to complete our God-given assignments. Psalm 91:1-2 reveals that whoever dwells, (that settles and takes residence) in the secret place shall abide under the shadow of Almighty God. Our assignment is like our refuge and secret place. Unfortunately, great leaders have the potential to step out of position and abandon their assignments.

An Abandoned Assignment

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba...and left his servant there.

...It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

1 Kings 19: 2-4b

The disappointments and setbacks of ministry have the potential to make great men and women of God quit in their purpose and abandon their assignments. Such was the case with Elijah. After his great victory on Mt. Carmel and being mightily used of God in 1 Kings 18, the above Scripture reveals that Jezebel’s threat to kill Elijah put him on the run. Elijah moved from his offensive position of attack, to a defensive position of flight. He left his servant behind, which signified “throwing in the towel.” The pressure and frustration of ministry caused Elijah to retreat so far away from ministry that death was his foremost option. Your assignment produces purpose and the momentum of pursuit. When you move from your assignment, you’ve moved from your place of strength and protection.

We have to fight to be consistent in purpose. Great victories never come without great pressure. There is always the temptation to retreat from the position of purposeful living, to the place of least resistance and confrontation in our lives. As the New Year begins, don’t retreat from your assignment. Settle and take residence in that which God has called you to do because serving the right assignment protects you. Press into God and let your mind be continually renewed to complete your God-given task. He who began a good work in you will bring it to full completion (Philippians 1:6).