What you don't know

When you see someone in ministry that appears to have everything
going their way, think about this:

If they are truly fulfilling God's commission for them, there is
most likely a very long, very difficult, and very costly path behind
them that you do not see. They are where they are only because of
great personal sacrifice and surrender to God's purpose.

Pray for them. They need your prayer.
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  So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly
  for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling
  them to do miraculous signs and wonders. There was a plot afoot
  among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to
  mistreat them and stone them. But they found out about it and fled
  to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding
  country, where they continued to preach the good news.
  (Acts 14:3,5-7 NIV)

He is Worthy

Let the whole world bless our God and sing aloud his praises. Our
  lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling. (Psa
  66:8-9 NLT)

Reciprocate

Our relationship with God is reciprocal. It works like this: When we
give Him all we are and have, He is then enabled to give us all He
is and has. So much so that He makes us one with Him. (John 17:22-23)

Yet, people strive to acquire things of lesser and temporary value,
while forfeiting what is permanent and invaluable.

Changes are coming: The "real world" will not always be so real.
  

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant
  nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put
  their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our
  enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to
  be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up
  treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so
  that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Tim 6:17-19 NIV)

Keeping Perspective is Key

We may not be able to avoid rejection or keep it from hurting when it happens, but we can keep it in perspective. There is One who will never reject us. In Psalm 27, David wrote: "My father and mother may abandon me, but the LORD will take care of me." (v. 10, GNB)

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"I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' "I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me." (John 13:18-20 NIV)

Your Vision

Has God given you a dream, a passion, or a "knowing" of some task or
purpose you are to fulfill? Do you feel inadequate or unprepared?
Does it look and feel impossible?

Remember, the purpose the vision of it and the passion for it is
His. It was His before He gave it to you, and it remains so after.
You are only fulfilling a role in His vision.

However passionate about it you may be, God is more so. And... He
will not ask you do to something you are unable to do.
   Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside
  and villages and buy themselves something to eat." But he answered,
  "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take
  eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on
  bread and give it to them to eat?" "How many loaves do you have?" he
  asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five and two
  fish." Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to
  heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to
  his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish
  among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. (Mark 6:36-38;41-42 NIV)

Communication

• I believe that communication is an absolute necessity in a relationship and that you cannot maintain a relationship with someone without communicating with them.
  
  I also believe that our communication with the Lord is an indicator of the health and maturity of our relationship with Him. It is the "yardstick" by which our relationship with Him is measured.
  
  What does your communication with the Lord (of which prayer is a component) say about your relationship with Him? (Tough question, I know: I ask myself that question constantly.)

But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. (Psa 88:13 NIV)

Courage

Be strong and very courageous." and "Do not be afraid or
discouraged.": Those were commands to Joshua, orders--not emotions.
He was instructed not to feel, but to do.

We typically think of love, courage, fear, and such as emotions.
They are, in truth, decisions that are accompanied by emotions.

Now, a decision requires information. And the right information
makes the decision easier to hold to when it is tested.
  

Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do
  not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything
  you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day
  and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only
  then will you succeed. I command you--be strong and courageous! Do
  not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you
  wherever you go." (Josh 1:7-9 NLT)