Hello, great minds! It's good to know you are holding up.
I have this thought I want to share with you.
I experienced this during the just concluded Annual Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) International Youth Convention. This program is a beacon of hope and fellowship, drawing thousands of young people from across the globe to the redemption city of God, also known as Redemption Camp. This year, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Youth Convention. Every young person in the church always looks forward to each year's edition. From powerful keynote speakers to vibrant networking opportunities, the Youth Convention is an environment where youth and young adults come together to deepen their faith and experience the very move of God.
During one of the break sessions, I ventured outside the auditorium to grab something to eat. As I passed through the old auditorium, I was captivated by the sounds of fervent prayer from different groups of young people. I saw some groups doing a kind of Bible study. I saw others having unwinding moments where they had time to gist and probably have fun. Various groups of young people were engaged in what can only be described as heartfelt fellowship. However, one particular group caught my attention, as their prayers resonated loudly, filling the space with an undeniable intensity.
"In Jesus' name, we have prayed," echoed one of the members of the group, prompting a chorus of "Amen!" from others. It was evident that these young individuals were not simply going through the motions; they were genuinely seeking a deeper connection with God. The leader of the group began to speak about Pastor E.A Adeboye, emphasizing the importance of observing his life and ministry. He pointed out that many are called into ministry, but not everyone achieves the same level of success. He continued by saying that what sets Pastor Adeboye apart is his willingness to pay the necessary price and make sacrifices for the kingdom of God. This struck a cord within me as I recalled my days of fervent prayer and fasting, yearning for a similar impact. I still pray and fast though.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but reflect on the dual nature of their prayers. On one hand, they were sincere. One could tell that they have a deep love for God. On the other hand, there was this motive of ambition--an unspoken desire for recognition and significance.
Let's take a look at the biblical story of the prophet Elijah, a man I've always admired for his boldness and faithfulness to God. In 1 Kings 19:14–18, after a showdown with the prophets of Baal, Elijah found himself feeling isolated and alone in his mission for God. He felt that the reason he had that feeling was because he was the only one standing for God. But God's response was powerful: He revealed to Elijah that he was not alone and that there were seven thousand others who had not bowed to Baal.
This revelation in scripture is profound. God always has His remnant, those who are faithful and true, even if they are not in the spotlight. Romans 11:1-6 further explains this idea, emphasizing that God's election is based on grace. It's a reminder that success in ministry is not about fame or public recognition. It is about fulfilling God's purpose for our lives, doing His will, and being faithful to Him.
In the world we live in today, where social media presence and public accolades often equate to success, it is easy to measure our worth and success with visibility. Many aspire to be the face of ministry, believing that their influence or large followers will determine their value in God's eyes. However, the truth is that God's definition of success is not the same as how the world views success in general. He chooses whom to announce, whom to elevate, and whom to use as instruments for His glory. He determines His battle axe.
As I reflected on my journey, I remembered and recognized that I was once like these young individuals, fervently praying for recognition with the hope that one day my relevance would speak volumes. There were times when my prayers were centered on my visibility—a desire to be seen, to be acknowledged for my efforts. But over the years, I have learned that the true measure of success lies not in our visibility but in our faithfulness.
The prayers of those young individuals were not wrong. They were passionate and sincere. However, we must examine our motives. Are we praying to make ourselves known, or are we seeking to glorify God? Are we striving for our names to be in the light, or are we content to serve behind the scenes, knowing that our labour is not in vain?
Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 15:10 resonates deeply: "I am what I am by the grace of God." This shows the essence of our faith journey. It is not our discipline or sacrifices that elevate us. It is grace alone. Each of us has a unique calling, and while some may be called to lead large congregations or influence the masses, others are called to serve in quieter yet equally impactful ways without one feeling bigger than the other.
The seven thousand that God reserved in the days of Elijah represent the unsung heroes of our faith today--those who teach their children the ways of the Lord, those who serve diligently in their local churches, those who support the ministry through prayers and dedicated service. They may not have a large following on social media, but their impact is profound and eternal. In a society that often places visibility and success side by side, we must remind ourselves that God's view of success is not the same as that of society. He sees the heart, the intention behind our actions, and the sacrifices made in silence when nobody is noticing. As believers, we must strive to ensure that God's purpose aligns with our motives, seeking to glorify Him rather than ourselves.
As I left the auditorium that evening, I carried with me a renewed understanding of grace and the importance of our motive, especially when we pray. The way those young people prayed that day inspired me, but it also challenged me to reflect on my own heart. Are we seeking to be known? or are we seeking to know Him more?
In our pursuit of God, let us remember that it is grace that sustains us, It is grace that empowers our prayers, It is grace that fuels our ministry, and it is grace that ultimately enables us to will and to do of His good pleasure.
I will end on the note of this poem rhyme we sang when we were little.
Day by day, dear Lord God, these three things I pray:
To see you more clearly,
Love you more dearly,
Follow you more nearly,
Day by day
As we continue our journey of faith, may we always remember that we are called to be faithful stewards of the grace we have received.