When God Stops You From Leaving

Photo by Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

We reached a point where we thought of walking away from our church. As part of the leaders, we saw many areas in the ministry that were lacking. Since our church is only an extension, many of our members are not deeply grounded or consistently fed with healthy teaching.

There was no established prayer meeting. We tried to build one, but it faded without support from the main church and even from the coordinator. There were no regular Bible studies or life groups. There were no other activities except every Sunday.

Because of this, we saw believers slowly weakening. They were losing motivation, and no one seemed to be leading or feeding them. Even when I tried to help, it sometimes felt like the weight became heavier on my shoulders instead of lifting others up.

One time, my wife and I decided that maybe it was time to leave. We know many pastors who are active in ministry. They hold Bible studies, revivals, street preaching, and outreach. We felt like we needed that spiritual environment too.

But before we did anything, God reminded me that faith without action is dead (James 2:17). Not just action in ministry, but action in our own hearts. If nothing changes inside, then our faith is dying. I realized that before doing anything publicly, I needed to look in the mirror and take care of myself. Not by self-effort, but by God’s grace, humility, and love.

We were ready to leave. But the extension church was about to celebrate its 3rd anniversary. I told my wife that we should not think about anything yet. Let us just focus on each day and decide after the celebration.

Then something unexpected happened. I was suddenly added to the church leaders group chat. They said there would be a Church Growth Convention on Saturday, and that we were part of it.

Immediately, I felt the Holy Spirit guiding us to stay. To stop running away. To continue supporting this church instead of leaving. I remembered how God had already brought us here and provided for us: a place to stay, internet for work, and a flexible job. Truly, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9), and “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

So we attended the conference. By God’s grace, the speakers addressed exactly what we had been searching for. We saw God’s hand moving and confirmed the burden in our hearts. We did not just feel happy for the congregation; we felt joy that we could be part of what God is doing in this place. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).

God filled us during that conference, and He pulled us to stay. He reminded me that the bigger the problem, the bigger God will reveal Himself. The greater the challenge, the clearer His purpose becomes. Even when ministry is hard and discouraging, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9), and “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Through this experience, I am learning to be still, to listen, and to obey. To focus on God’s plan, rather than my own frustration. To serve faithfully, knowing “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23–24).

God may already be using me in this place. If not, I trust that He has a plan for me. I choose to believe His Word and follow His guidance, knowing He is faithful in all things.


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Continue being blessed by reading more of my blogs below or see the very next blog I made that intends to help strengthen our ministry: When Ministry Feels Empty: A Call Back to Prayer

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Comments

  1. bert pimentelDecember 6, 2025 at 11:53 AM

    Most churches today have become just organizations instead of fellowshipping with the Lord. They become shallow because preaching has turned into a business and is no longer done for God. Many sermons are now sugar-coated, and the true essence of the truth has been lost—the reason why Jesus Christ died for us sinners. On the other hand, what can truly help us is our personal relationship with God, such as prayer, meditating on His words, and obeying His will as evidence that we were saved through mercy and grace. We are the true church, not the physical building, as the Bible says, “God does not dwell in a temple made with human hands.” Glory to God Almighty. Glory be to Jesus Christ who is, who was, and who is to come—the Almighty. Amen.

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