It’s been nearly ten years since I was assigned leadership of my first fundraising campaign. The goal was $250,000 which, at the time, seemed like an immovable mountain for our small rural ministry. I remember going to a Christian Leadership Alliance conference where I spent most of my time whining and complaining about my boss who I believed had it all wrong. I convinced myself that my wisdom and discernment was greater than his.

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try

If only I had the faith to know that God would provide all the funds needed and miraculously- from one individual. At the time it was the largest gift I had ever solicited and unfortunately I doubted God’s providence the entire time.

I see myself stepping out of the boat each time I have been called to help raise millions of dollars for one of His ministries. At the outset before a single dollar is raised we step out in faith confident in His provision. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the wind begins to blow, we become afraid, and we take our eyes off Jesus.

Today I am faced with another decision either to have faith or to doubt. Only this time the need is ten-times greater than the first. Despite having already been blessed with six million dollars towards our eight-million dollar goal, it’s easy to doubt His ability to come through on the rest. I am quick to forget how He has already provided and every time before.

For pastors and other ministry leaders, when money is slow and especially tight, it’s easy for us to doubt His provision. Regardless of how many times He has provided for us in the past, with unexpected checks in the mailbox or that especially generous gift in the offering plate, we still manage to find room for doubt. And in that moment we must be reminded that Jesus is standing right there with us amidst the storm, He reaches out his hand, and says "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen

The lyrics are from Kutless’ That’s What Faith Can Do


Jason is a senior consultant with The Frank Group. Jason has served Christian ministries in a variety of leadership roles, trained hundreds of non-profit leaders, and enjoyed friendships with a continuously growing number of generous individuals. You can read more about Jason’s work at The Generous Life. You can reach Jason @ e-mail.