Draw From Heaven's Well: Live and Lead From StrengthSample

Living and leading from an adequate state of preparedness is vital for our lives and ministry. The enemy will attack. Guaranteed! When the attack comes, will we respond offensively by taking new ground or defensively by trying to hold our existing ground? The Bible encourages us, “Get ready for the siege! Store up water. Strengthen the forts! Prepare many bricks for repairing your walls” (Na. 3:14, TLB). Wise preparation is the key to the sustainability of a long and fruitful ministry. Our son was born at twenty-six weeks, weighing 3 pounds and 5 ounces. The doctor said the next seventy-two hours would determine whether or not our son would live. Fear tried to grip my heart, but I fought back with the Word and prayer. The Lord gave me Psalm 118:17, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord”(NKJV). I shut my Bible and boldly proclaimed, “He’ll live and not die!” He’s now married with two children and has served in pastoral ministry for over 20 years. I praise the Lord that my well was full when my son was born. Paul and Silas were walking faithfully in their calling–preaching, teaching, and healing one moment, and the next, they were thrown in jail. They had developed a lifestyle of preparedness for the unexpected attacks of the devil. The Bible says, “About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25, NLT). While imprisoned, they intentionally drilled through their rock-hard challenge with robust and passionate worship and prayer. They drew strength from their deep well of refreshing water. Their tenacity to not surrender in their darkest hour of imprisonment brought freedom to all imprisoned as the earth shook and binding chains fell. The result of their captivity brought salvation to the jailer and his family. What a beautiful example of two men completely surrendering to the Lord and His ability to bring freedom. Walking faithfully in the call to lead, teach, and pray for people will make you a target for the enemy’s attack. Preparation is vital to sustaining ministry momentum before there’s an attack. Tap into God’s aquifer of power to maintain hydration. Challenge the enemy’s advance by fearlessly drawing strength from your deep well so you can counterattack with powerful worship and prayer. Your tenacity to not surrender will result in freedom for others. Relentlessly move forward, and the shackles will fall away. You’ve got this! Suggested Activity: Describe your worship and prayer life. Where could you improve? Describe how you are preparing for a long and fruitful ministry.