whitefieldGeorge Whitefield once said, “The renewal of our natures is a work of great importance. It is not to be done in a day. We have not only a new house to build up, but an old one to pull down.” Most likely, yesterday was a day full of ministry and new faces. Hopefully, it was a day of encouragement for you and your people. However, if it was not, and you find yourself downtrodden and discouraged this Monday, then I encourage you to consider Whitefield’s advice. Do not underestimate the value of patience in ministry. Yesterday’s sermon will not sink you in ministry nor will it make you successful in ministry. It is exceedingly rare that one sermon marks the turn around in the life of a church or a in a person’s life. Instead, it is the faithful ministry of God’s word over a great length of time that renews your people’s nature and restores life in a church. Take heart, brothers! Church renewal takes time.