It was the largest of congregations; it was the smallest of congregations. That's the best way to describe two services I attended within 24 hours. The first was an evangelistic outreach in Washington, DC, attended by nearly 20,000 people. A man preached, and hundreds of people responded to the invitation to put their faith in Christ.

The next night I was in a small country church service attended by about 50 people. A man preached, and at the end of the sermon no one responded openly to the invitation.

Both men were called of God and doing what He equipped them to do. Was one more successful or valuable to God than the other? I think not.

What I saw in those 2 days was the beauty of God's direction. He called both men to specific ministries in specific places. His hand was on each. Neither could take pride in results or be disappointed by the lack of them, because only God gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6-7).

Are you discouraged in the ministry God has called you to? Are you intimidated by the more obvious results of some Christian "superstars"? It's time to turn your eyes away from numbers and people and redirect them toward Jesus (2 Cor. 4:5). Stay close to Him. Keep seeking His will. His smile of approval is all you need.  — Dave Branon