I quickly learned that Martin Ministries International (MMI) was going to be built on and by the Word of God only. God reminded me daily that the fear of human opinion disables, but if I would trust in Him I would be secure. (Proverbs 29:25). Trusting in God’s word and those He had spoken to my heart were to be absolutely relied on with no hesitation or wonder. The Lord would say, “Dustin we don’t wonder, we know!” This preparation was the groundwork that instilled in me the bold confidence that with God nothing was impossible.
I’ve learned that time tries your trust, but that truth trumps the test of time. The key to accomplishing God’s plan for our ministry was wisdom. Solomon explained it best in Ecclesiastes 10:10 “If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.” Wisdom is taking God’s thoughts and ways to accomplish His will.
Too many times, we get a God idea and then want to accomplish it in our own wisdom. The Lord said it to me this way concerning His wisdom,” Wisdom is the sharpening of the axe, the preparation of decision and the construction of all creation.” Wisdom is the master of formulation and arrangement producing greatness that positions you in life to reign. This is why Solomon said in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing.” If you will exalt wisdom, then wisdom will promote you; it will bring you honor when you embrace it. Wisdom will place an ornament of grace on your head and will deliver to you a crown of glory; wisdom gives you a successful advantage.
Many have begged God saying, “Oh God, please give me wisdom.” as though it’s something that God has in short supply of and only gives out in emergencies. Wisdom is not hard to come by. Proverbs 2:6-7 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom…” and “He stores up sound wisdom for the upright.” Think about that, God has abundant revenues of great wisdom set aside just for your calling and situation. James 1:5 says it this way, “If you lack wisdom, ask of God, who gives to ALL liberally and without fault finding.” The only prerequisite to receiving the wisdom of God is to do so in faith, not wavering or with an undecided mind. We must believe that God has the know-how and skill for the situation and will generously pour it out for all that ask in faith. This means our success level in a God-directed endeavor will be without limit and fully supplied.
I believe the reason we struggle with the wisdom we need for our situation is because wisdom is given from the mouth of God. Intimacy and time with Him can never be traded for events or activities that seem to aid the vision. At the end, it’s only what God has spoken and given counsel to that will stand and produce the desired results.
Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom a house (ministry) is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.