“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:10–18, KJV).

Many times in the ministry, when I felt that we had done all that could be done, the question would arise, what now? Maybe you have had or will have similar days. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord (Psalm 27:14; KJV). The Lord spoke to my heart many times with these words, when we faced the what-nows.

We must realize that ministry in and of itself is a lifelong pursuit that grows in its usefulness and application. It grows as we allow our place in ministry to mold and shape us for the honor and glory of God and for our own betterment. You cannot fully fathom God’s indescribable plan for you, for your ministry, and for your life. His divine plan and purpose have eternal benefits that will last through the ages, eventually causing our questions to seem like nothing. The real joy of service to God has an unshakable place in your life.

However, the reality is that you will have questions, as we all do, and the Lord will assuredly be faithful to answer them. We often say that the Lord is molding and shaping the congregants in our charge, and that is true. However, our blessed assignment to the ministry of the Lord is molding and shaping us as pastors also.

However, the reality is that you will have questions, as we all do, and the Lord will assuredly be faithful to answer them.

When you have reached a certain point in ministry and things are seemingly at a standstill, you might find yourself asking, what now? You have prayed, preached, encouraged, evangelized, taught, and more. You have put ministries in place, upheld standards and principles, tried your best to meet all the requirements placed before you. Just know that all of that is part of your faithfulness to the Lord.

Think on these powerful verses: “In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:16–17, KJV). This scripture is talking about the holy city of Jerusalem and the inhabitants of Zion, but the Lord has a continuous blessing for his people then and now. Don’t be afraid; do the work of God with all your might, and be spent for his honor and glory. God is in your assignment, right by your side, to save you in the hard places. You may think these are dismal times, but the Lord is rejoicing over you with joy. He rests in the fact that his love will win the day for you and that you will triumph with great victories. God is pleased with you—so much so that he is joyous about our service. He actually sings over us! WOW and amen! Let that push you forward.

You have a privileged position, not only to stand but also to kneel in humble submission before his throne and joyously accept his perfect will to be the vessel that he wants, where he wants. You and I must be dedicated prayer warriors, fighting the good fight until the end. Let him fill you to overflowing in your assignment.

What now? Continue to serve the Lord with gladness. Let his goodness and grace keep you steadfast, always faithful in your small assignment, giving the Lord honor and glory.

What now? “Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land” (Isaiah 6:11–12, KJV). Keep looking up, my friend; let’s be about his business.