When I first stepped into ministry, I thought the most important thing I could do was serve God with all my heart. My focus was on the work—the responsibilities, the tasks, the countless ways I could pour myself out for Him.
I was available 24/7, always ready to serve.
But then, one day, the Lord spoke to me in a way I will never forget. He said, “One of these days, you are going to give up—not because you don’t love Me, but because you will be too exhausted to continue. I want to rearrange your priorities.”
That moment changed everything. God showed me that His highest priority for my life wasn’t the work I did for Him—it was my relationship with Him. Before anything else, I needed to sit at His feet and be with Him.
David understood this deeply when he said, “My cup overflows.” He was not empty, drained, or running on fumes—he was filled to overflowing because he spent time in God’s presence.
Prioritizing What Matters Most
The Lord then showed me the right order of priorities:
- The Personal Altar – The sacred space between you and the Lord. Jesus said, “Go into your room and pray to your Father.” This is where your relationship with God is formed—not in public, not in busyness, but in solitude.
- The Family Altar – Joshua declared, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Your first calling is to your family. Too many pastors and ministers pour themselves into church work while their children long for their presence. But God never intended for ministry to come before family.
- The Ministry Altar – Serving God’s people comes after the first two. Ministry is vital, but it must flow from a place of overflow, not exhaustion.
The Gentle Whisper
In 1 Kings 19:11-13, we read that Elijah stood on the mountain, waiting for the Lord to pass by. A mighty wind tore through the mountains, but God was not in the wind. Then came an earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake. After that, a consuming fire. But God was not in the fire.
And then—after all the noise, the power, the spectacle—came a gentle whisper.
That’s where God was.
How do we hear that gentle whisper in our own lives?
We must slow down. We live in a world that never stops moving, pulling us in every direction. But if we’re not careful, we will miss the one thing that truly sustains us—sitting at Jesus’ feet. Even Jesus told His disciples when it was time to rest, reminding them that life isn’t just about toiling and staying busy—even when it’s for God.
God’s greatest desire is not for you to do more for Him—it’s for you to be with Him.
As we step into this new year, I encourage you: slow down. Make time—not find time, but make time—to sit with Jesus. Ask Him, “Lord, what do You want me to do? What is Your vision for my life this year?”
Nothing matters more to God than your personal relationship with Him. No accomplishment, project, or ministry success will bring Him greater joy than simply having you in His presence.
He is not in the wind, the fire, or the earthquake. He is not in the grand events, the packed schedules, or the never-ending to-do lists. He is in the gentle whisper—waiting for you to be still, to listen, to simply be with Him.
Thank You for Walking With Us
We are deeply grateful for you. Your love, prayers, and unwavering support of Home of Jesus the King Church have made an incredible impact. Because of your generosity, we have been able to bring together Jews, Muslims, and Orthodox Christians through our humanitarian outreach, showing them the love of Christ in action.
Please stay connected with us through our website, where you can follow testimonies and see the latest updates on what God is doing in the Land.
May this year be one where you hear His voice more clearly than ever before. May you sit at His feet, rest in His presence, and be filled to overflowing.
He is waiting for you in the quiet
in the stillness
in the gentle whisper.
Will you take the time to listen?