There may come a time in ministry when you feel you're not growing, expanding, and stretching. In the natural (or worldly) order of life...

• we are 'suppose' to grow
• we are 'suppose' to get bigger and have more numbers
• we are 'suppose' to adjust and add new things

...but because we're not, we somehow feel like we're stuck in a holding pattern...

It's at this point we may find ourselves asking the Lord why?! If we remain in this position, we can set ourselves up for dangerous things that place us outside God's will.

Let's look at two aspects of this issue:

1. You miss the mark.

Proverbs 19:2 (KJV) - Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Your may have a desire to grow or 'move forward' in your estimation, but is this in God's will/timing? You have to ask yourself if your desire to move is to show progression as the world (or your pride) believes you should.

2. The REAL purpose.

James 3:16 (KJV) - For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Many times envy and selfish ambition are at the root of our desires to enlarge our borders. What God has given you is for you (see Matthew 25:14-30). Each person may have similar talents, gifts, and callings, but they may each be used differently by the Lord. You must continue to remain content, humble, and joyous over the marvelous calling placed upon your life.

What good is it to be confirmed as a good and faithful servant by man and then be denounced by the Lord?

You want to be confirmed by the Lord as a good and faithful servant.

There may come times when lust/flesh/satan come to tempt you to stray from your position of faith, but you must continue to remain faithful to the path God has placed you on. You may never know how God has used your calling, gift, and ministry on this earth, but be satisfied in being faithful to Him to the end!