DETERMINATION IN MINISTRY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Supporting Texts: Philippians 3:13-14, Hebrews 12:1-3, Luke 9:62, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, Galatians 6:9
INTRODUCTION:
Ministry is not a sprint; it is a lifelong race that demands tenacity, focus, and resilience. Many start well in ministry, but only those who endure to the end will be crowned. Determination is the fuel that keeps a minister moving forward despite trials, discouragement, or opposition.
Every great man or woman of God who has left a lasting impact demonstrated unwavering commitment and steadfastness in their calling. Determination in ministry is not just about refusing to quit—it is about pressing forward with purpose and grit, even when the results seem slow or invisible.
The Lord never promised a problem-free ministry, but He promised His presence, grace, and reward for those who endure. This message will equip and inspire you to remain resolute in your divine assignment and to run your race with endurance.
1. THE CALL TO MINISTERIAL STEADFASTNESS
A true minister must embrace unwavering commitment to the divine assignment.
a) Ministry Requires Consistency
God desires faithful workers who serve consistently, not seasonally (1 Corinthians 4:2).
b) Storms Will Test Your Convictions
Trials and pressures will try to move you, but you must remain rooted (Matthew 7:24-25).
c) Determination Builds Ministerial Character
Refusing to give up cultivates endurance and maturity (James 1:3-4).
d) You Must Resist the Temptation to Quit
The enemy will whisper defeat, but God calls us to stay the course (Galatians 6:9).
Biblical Example: Nehemiah Rebuilding the Wall
Despite ridicule and opposition, Nehemiah refused to stop the work (Nehemiah 6:1-9).
2. PRESSING ON DESPITE DISCOURAGEMENT
Discouragement is part of ministry, but determination overcomes it.
a) God Strengthens the Determined Heart
When our strength fails, His grace sustains us (2 Corinthians 12:9).
b) Discouragement Often Precedes Breakthrough
Moments of weariness usually precede great victories (Isaiah 40:29-31).
c) Encourage Yourself in the Lord
Like David, strengthen your heart through God’s promises (1 Samuel 30:6).
d) Speak Life Over Your Ministry
Proclaim what God says over your assignment, not what circumstances suggest (Ezekiel 37:4).
Biblical Example: Paul the Apostle
Despite beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonments, Paul pressed forward (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
3. STAYING FOCUSED ON THE GOAL
Determination helps you keep your eyes on the eternal reward.
a) Focus Guards Against Distraction
Many are derailed by lesser things—focus keeps you on track (Philippians 3:13-14).
b) You Were Not Called to Please Men
Ministry becomes difficult when your aim is to please people (Galatians 1:10).
c) Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
He is the model and the rewarder of faithful servants (Hebrews 12:2).
d) There Is a Crown at the End
Endurance leads to eternal honour and reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Biblical Example: Jesus Christ
He endured the cross because of the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).
4. REFUSING TO BE WEIGHED DOWN BY FAILURE
Every minister will face failure, but determination turns failure into fuel.
a) Failure Is Not Final Unless You Stop Trying
Every failure can become a stepping stone if you rise again (Proverbs 24:16).
b) Learn from Mistakes, Don’t Dwell on Them
Even Peter denied Christ, yet he became a great leader (Luke 22:62; Acts 2:14).
c) The Grace of God Is Greater Than Your Errors
God restores and uses the broken (Romans 8:28).
d) Don’t Let Guilt Kill Your Calling
Receive mercy and move forward (Hebrews 4:16).
Biblical Example: Peter the Apostle
After denying Jesus, he was restored and used mightily by God (John 21:15-19).
5. MAINTAINING PASSION FOR MINISTRY
Determination must be fed by constant spiritual renewal.
a) Stay in the Word and Prayer
Spiritual fuel is found in communion with God (Joshua 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
b) Surround Yourself with the Right People
Encouraging voices strengthen your resolve (Proverbs 13:20).
c) Serve with Joy, Not with Weariness
Joy renews strength in ministry (Nehemiah 8:10).
d) Never Lose Sight of Your First Love
Passion fades when we forget why we started (Revelation 2:4-5).
Biblical Example: Timothy Encouraged by Paul
Paul stirred up the gift in Timothy to reignite his passion (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
CONCLUSION
Ministry demands more than talent, skill, or vision—it demands dogged determination. The journey will not always be easy, but if you remain steadfast, you will see the fruit of your labour. Let nothing move you, for your reward is sure.
Determine today to never give up, no matter the storms that come your way. Your assignment is too important to abandon. God is counting on you, and Heaven is cheering you on.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart that will not quit in the face of adversity.
2. Father, increase my strength and passion for the work of the ministry.
3. I reject every spirit of discouragement and defeat in my calling.
4. Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on my eternal reward.
5. Empower me to rise again from every failure and setback.
6. Father, ignite fresh fire in my soul for the work You’ve called me to do.
7. I declare that I will finish strong in the name of Jesus.
8. Lord, disconnect me from every voice of distraction or confusion.
9. Let Your joy continually strengthen me in my journey.
10. I receive grace to abound always in Your work, O Lord.
