04/16/2026
WHEN YOUR MINISTRY DOES NOT MEASURE UP
H.A. Moldez
How do you know that God is at work in what you are doing in ministry?
The modern way measures the obvious: results that you can count, people added, and programs accomplished. However, can metrics really capture the mystery of grace? Can statistics determine the real work of the Spirit?
Smart plans must be measurable, or so we are told. There is truth to it if what we are doing is determined by quantifiable results. Seeing the fruits of what we do in the Kingdom of God is very encouraging. But oftentimes we don't see clearly the inner work of God in people's hearts. God's work of transformation is usually slow and small, taking time to grow. The work of God is not always seen or counted, especially in the ministry of transformation toward Christlikeness.
Transformation is full of paradox. Jesus said the last will be first. Joy is hidden in sorrow. Small can be big. And not all big events are the work of God. The deep work of the Holy Spirit is usually hidden. The Spirit is shy, except in times of great spiritual revival.
We need to be careful about claiming a "big work for God" when actually God is not there. What is important is not how big our ministry is, but that we are the beloved of God. The Scripture is clear that God does not measure His love by our great performance, but by the person we are, even in our brokenness.
One of the tasks of spiritual work is to open the eyes to see clearly. We are easily blinded by impressive performance meant to "wow" the world. In a success-driven world, it is oftentimes difficult to notice God's work in the humdrum of life. Unless people see beyond what they see, they will not notice the mighty work of God in meekness, His glory being revealed in groaning, and His power in powerlessness. Unless we see God at work—albeit hidden in what appears to be a failure—it is easy to lose heart.
Let us not be discouraged when we don't see many fruits yet. Let us be faithful and do our best. God sees what others don't see about the work we do. God continues the good work He has invited us to participate in, even if the evidence does not appear evident by the world's standards. The work of God is surrounded by mystery. Nothing will be in vain, even the smallest labor of love.
Ponder and Pray:
• How do you feel if your ministry does not measure up to the standard of success?
• Why can't the work of transformation be fully measured by metrics?
• How does being the "beloved" help you to remain faithful in a world obsessed with "doing big"?
• What is your prayer to see the hidden work of God?