Ministry can be tough. If you’ve been in any kind of ministry for any amount of time, you know that’s true. Unfortunately, the longer we serve God in ministry, the more we tend to think that our ministry depends on ourself—our commitment, our work, our strategy, etc. This, of course, is true to a certain degree (ministry takes work), but we often leave God out of the picture. 

 

The Apostle Paul understood ministry. He knew how to start and build a church, but he knew much more than that. He understood God’s role in ministry. In I Corinthians 3:9, he said, “For we are labourers together with God.” Have you ever thought about that? You certainly labor (or work) in your ministry, but God labors with you. We are co-laboring with God! If that’s true, then our ministries cannot fail! 

 

But our ministries sometimes do fail, and it’s because we are trying to go solo with our ministry. We have forgotten that God has a role to play. Perhaps we have even pushed God out with our pride or other attitudes of self-importance. God says, “You don’t want my help? Fine.” That’s usually the point when we are flopping around like a fish on a boat—we’re working very hard, but we’re not going anywhere. Don’t leave God out of your ministry!

 

Now the question is, What role does God play in your ministry? The answer is found in I Corinthians 3 again, where the Apostle Paul describes various ministry roles. “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (v. 5-6). Did you notice the roles? Paul was the planter; Apollos watered the plants; and God gave the increase. 

 

When it comes to ministry, you can plant, and you can water, but only God can give the increase. What often happens is that we step back and say, “My ministry isn’t growing. It’s not thriving.” But the truth is, you can’t grow your ministry, only God can. You simply need to be faithful to plant and water. Then pray and trust God to give you the growth. Acts 2:47 reminds us, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” 

 

I don’t know about you, but this lifts a heavy weight off my shoulders. I don’t need to worry about growing my ministry! I simply need to plant, water, and trust God for the increase. You see, God is a wonderful gardener. He knows just what to grow in your ministry and how to grow it. If it were up to us, we would be growing nothing but weeds! But God knows how to grow beautiful roses. Usually the growth can take some time because God is very busy trying to soften the soil (that’s people’s hearts). 

 

So don’t worry, your ministry is in good hands—God’s hands! Don’t forget that you’re laboring in ministry with Him. Humbly invite His help. Ask Him to bless and grow your ministry as He sees fit. And while you’re trusting Him, be faithful to do your part—keep planting and watering. God will bless your faithfulness. Paul said it to the Galatians, and it’s still true: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).