I am told that the speed of light is 186,282 miles per second. That speed is impressive and I find myself wishing that somehow my ministry and influence could travel at just a fraction of that speed. Instead, it often seems like ministry travels at a snail’s pace, which is about 20 shell lengths per day in case you’re wondering. I suppose sometimes you just have to celebrate movement. However, the most impressive thing about light is not how fast it travels but rather how far it travels. Scientists say that light never stops traveling until it is absorbed by another object. 

I sense that too many ministers are discouraged because they are judging the success of their ministry on how fast things are growing in the moment instead of how far they are reaching. Just as light keeps on traveling long after you flip off the switch on your flashlight, the ministry that the Holy Spirit does through your life keeps on traveling long after you close your Bible, finish your prayer or lock the doors of the church. Truth be known, there is ministry you delivered a decade ago that is still speaking, supporting and transforming people’s lives today who are off your radar. 

Just because your most recent event bombed, your brightest disciple fizzled or your current season of ministry seems fruitless does not mean you have failed. The truth is it is too soon to measure! It is too soon to believe all your seed has ripened or even sprung up from the ground. Never believe that all you see is all that there will be. Instead of measuring, keep mentoring. Instead of panicking, keep planting. Instead of giving up, give it your all. It’s gonna be worth it!

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.