Introduction
The Christian journey is a glorious one, but it is also marked with trials and difficulties. Being a true believer is not just about blessings—it is about endurance, faith, and sacrifice. Jesus never promised us a problem-free life; rather, He said: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
As believers, we often face betrayal, rejection, family misunderstandings, and opposition from those we least expect. Sometimes the very people who eat from your hand are the same ones who stab your back. Just as Jesus was denied, mocked, and crucified by those He came to save, we too must walk this difficult path.
Yet, in all these, there is hope. Our faith is not built on men’s approval but on God’s promises. Every difficulty we face is not a sign of God’s absence but an opportunity to grow deeper in Him, to prove the strength of our faith, and to shine His light in a dark world.
The path of a true believer is not a path of roses. It is a narrow road paved with trials, misunderstandings, betrayals, and attacks—sometimes from the very people we love and serve. Yet it is the way of the cross, the same road our Lord Jesus walked, and the same we are called to follow.
In natural reasoning, it feels impossible to keep doing good when those around you constantly demean you, twist your words, and conspire against you. It is painful to keep paying electricity bills for those who would not even speak the truth in your absence or defend your name. Many times, the very people you sacrifice for will refuse to acknowledge your good but will plot your downfall.
How difficult it is when elders, instead of guiding the younger generation in truth, lead them astray with evil counsel—even consulting diabolical powers to harm those who walk uprightly. How bitter it feels when ingrates rise to use positions of power (the modern-day Herods) to destroy your hard-earned work and cover it with lies.
But none of this is new. Did not the Jews eat of the miracle bread of Jesus, benefit from His healing power, yet deny Him and crucify Him? People will enjoy the food your destiny provides, but still turn around to hate you. You are loved for what you can give, but despised for who you truly are.
There are some who, to your face, will sing your praises, but behind your back, they spread evil rumors and rejoice at your failures. They cannot celebrate your victories, but they eagerly celebrate your mistakes. Yes, this is the cross of the true believer.
Yet, we continue to do good—not because we seek applause from men, but because the love of Christ constrains us (2 Corinthians 5:14). We give, we forgive, we serve even our enemies, not because we are the richest, not because we are naïve, but because we are compelled by divine love. To the world we may look foolish, but in the eyes of God, we are faithful.
One of the greatest difficulties true ministers face is misunderstanding from their own families. Many families believe pastors and believers exist only to serve them. They complain if you do something for your town or nation, saying, “Why didn’t you do it for us first?” They expect light, water, and resources to remain only within the family, even if God has called you to serve the nations.
But Jesus Himself showed us otherwise. When told His mother and brothers were looking for Him, He declared, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8:21). Abraham, too, was separated from his family because God knew family ties could hinder the call.
This is not to say we neglect our families—Scripture is clear that we must provide for them (1 Timothy 5:8). But we must understand balance. God’s call is bigger than the family. A true minister belongs to the world, not just to the household. Ninety percent of our ministry, resources, and sacrifice will often go to where God sends us—to strangers, to the nations, to the wider body of Christ.
Therefore, families must understand that when God calls a man or woman, He lifts them beyond the family circle. That person is no longer just “our brother” or “our cousin.” He becomes God’s vessel to the world.
Yes, the difficulties are real—the betrayals, the lies, the conspiracies, the ingratitude—but we endure, knowing that our reward is not in men, but in God. For it is written: “Be not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
The Family and the Call of God
One of the greatest areas of attack on pastors and believers is often the family. Many times, families assume that ministers are called only to serve them or to use all their resources for the benefit of their household. But God’s call is bigger than that—it is to the world.
When Jesus was teaching, His mother and brothers once came looking for Him. Instead of stopping His ministry to attend to them, He declared: “My mother and brothers are those who hear the Word of God and do it” (Luke 8:21). He was teaching us a principle: the spiritual family of God takes precedence over the demands of the natural family.
We also see this truth in Abraham’s life. When God called him, the very first instruction was, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Why? Because sometimes family ties can become a hindrance to obedience. God had to separate Abraham so His call could flourish without family interference.
The reality is this: family can sometimes misunderstand the call of God. They may complain, “Why are you building schools, hospitals, or giving to the community instead of first building a mansion for the family?” Some even ridicule ministers who use their resources for the kingdom instead of keeping everything within the household. But the truth remains—when God calls a person, He makes them a blessing to the nations, not just to their relatives.
This does not mean we neglect family. Scripture is clear: “If anyone does not provide for his own, he has denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8). We must care for our loved ones. But we must also understand balance—90% of our assignment, resources, and impact will often flow outward, to the wider world, because that is where God sends us.
Every family must therefore understand that when God calls someone, that person no longer belongs only to them but to the kingdom and to the world. A man of God is not just your brother, your son, or your cousin—he is God’s vessel for the nations.
So, instead of resisting or complaining, families should support, encourage, and release ministers to fulfill their global assignment. When the world is blessed, the family too will share in the blessing.
Thank you and God bless you real good.
From the Desk of Bishop MA Anyanwu