Write It in Pencil

When God keeps you somewhere, stay faithful.

Sometimes God’s work in front of you means you have to wait on other good things.

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.1 Corinthians 16:9

Healthy churches don’t just look inward. We help take the gospel to new places.

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.Philippians 4:15-17

Finish the assignment God put in your hands.

When God puts needy believers in front of you, you serve them, and you see your giving as a “thank You” for the spiritual help you’ve already received.

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;2 Corinthians 9:12-13

When you obey in the assignments you have, you can expect God to use you to bring spiritual blessing wherever He sends you next.

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.Romans 1:11-12

Gospel work runs on hard‑fought prayer.

Real ministry needs people who will labor together in prayer, asking God to protect workers from those who want to shut the Gospel down.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,Ephesians 6:18-19

Pray for fruitful Gospel ministry and joyful fellowship among churches and Gospel workers.

Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.2 Corinthians 7:13

Every plan rest in the hands of the God of peace.

The God who sends you into hard work and messy situations is the same God who gives peace and keeps His church steady.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7

When you trust the God of peace, you can hold your plans with open hands and still rest, knowing He will accomplish His good purposes even through hindrances.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.Proverbs 3:5-6

Write your plans in pencil, but your Gospel priorities in stone.

Treat generosity toward needy believers as a joyful Gospel debt, not an optional extra.

We must continue a culture of serious prayer around specific Gospel burdens.

Anchor every plan and prayer in the God of peace.