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Title: Joyful Perseverance: Staying Fresh through the Ups and Downs of Ministry

Author: Ajith Fernando

Publisher: Crossway

Year: 2024

Reviewed by Mark Powell

I heard of a retired minister once who was asked by a younger minister what caused him to persevere in ministry? The older minister thought that the answer was so obvious that sadly, he failed to take the question seriously. Clearly, God is the one who keeps us to the end. But with that said, there is a lot to unpack as to various means which the LORD uses to achieve that purpose (John 10:27-28).

We live in a day where there seems to be increasingly widespread ministry burn out, and so a book like Joyful Perseverance (Crossway: 2024) is a timely word of encouragement on an important issue. Ajith Fernando’s latest book is the result of his own ministry spanning almost half a century. As such, there are gems of insights, observations and anecdotes in each and every chapter. 

Significantly, the book arose from a devotional time Fernando was having on the thirtieth anniversary of his ministry with Youth for Christ back in 2006. During that period he was reading the book of 2 Corinthians and was especially struck by the apostle Paul’s words in chapter 4, “Having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:1).

To give the reader a foretaste of the book, I’ve selected some of the truths from each chapter which impacted me. The book itself it not very long—approximately 150 pages—and each of the eighteen chapters is relatively short. And so I hope my potted summary might itself prove to be an encouragement to not only read the book but also to persevere in serving Christ.

Chapter 1: What do we mean by freshness?

Joyful Perseverance opens by defining what Fernando does and does not mean by ‘freshness’ in ministry. Fernando is not referring to a) the priority of maintaining good physical health or b)having a motivated, enthusiastic approach c) possessing having a bubbly personality or finally, d) climbing the ecclesiastical ladder. Instead, what the author is referring to is summarised in five points:

First, a life where the grace of God is evident through God’s constant presence, equipping, and leading (2 Cor. 4:1) where our primary aim in life is the pursuit of God. 

Second, while we will all face many painful, sorrowful, and disappointing experiences in life, negative feelings and bitterness about those experiences do not have to characterise moods since we have learnt what it means to have been comforted by God (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Third, a situation in which our hearts which are receptive to letting God’s love flow into and out of our lives. (Rom 5:5; 2 Cor. 5:14).

Fourth, there is a continued thankfulness for the privilege of being God’s servant (2 Cor. 2:14).

Fifth, where we remain passionate about ministry to the very end (Rom. 12:11).

Chapter 2: It is All of Grace

Fernando rightly argues that we can persevere in ministry because of God’s sovereign commitment to ourselves (2 Tim. 1:12). As the author states, ‘The primary reason we can finish well is not because we possess some great skill. It is because God is able to protect us’. (See Rom. 12:11; Col. 1:29) Fernando further explains:

This grace keeps the glow of ministry going in our lives for as  the apostle Paul writes, ‘Having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart’ (2 Cor. 4:1). God is faithful to his servants, and he provides them with sufficient grace to meet their daily needs. Therefore, we do not need to lose heart and think of giving up. We can trust God to faithfully provide all the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs for our life and ministry. 

Since God’s mercy and grace is the key to life and ministry, Fernando rightly says that we should expect to be equipped with grace daily since this is what God is committed to doing (See Phil 1:6). As Lamentations 3:22–23 also memorably expresses it, ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ 

Chapter 3: Strength for Energy-Sapping Ministry

Fernando believes that a lot of ministry burnout occurs because we are often “driven by insecurity and false values.” This is a good insight because every follower of Jesus needs to be conscious of remaining in the vine which is Christ (John 15). That is where the spiritual power to persevere resides, rather than in our own strength. As Fernando states:

While tiredness and struggle are inevitable in ministry, they do not need to be crippling. God’s grace is sufficient so that, in keeping with the promise of Scripture, in the end all problems will have worked for our good (Rom. 8:28). God will be with us to guide us through each difficult challenge. Paul alludes to this when he says he toils and struggles “with all [Christ’s] energy that he powerfully works within me” (Col. 1:29). The word energy (energeia) tells us that God provides strength to fulfill the calling to toil in ministry. 

4. Thanksgiving and Joy

Fernando states, ‘I have come to notice that the most joyful people in my life and ministry are also the most thankful, and joyous people experience freshness as they go about their service.’ As Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the LORD is your strength”. Fernando also observes how George Mueller believed that the secret of his long and fruitful ministry was the happiness he felt in God and his work.

5. Three Reasons for Joy

In chapter 5 Fernando focuses on the underlying theological reasons that we can have joy. Rather than it being dependent upon how we feel, Fernando says that the answer is three-fold. First, it is because God loves us (John 3:16). Second, that Jesus has promised to be with us (Matt 28:20). And third, because God actually likes (i.e. delights) in us (See Zeph. 3:17).

6. Reason for Not Feeling Joy

In the next chapter Fernando examines some of the reasons why we might not experience the joy of the Lord. These are valid struggles which involve a variety of factors: the make-up of individual personalities, seasonal and circumstantial maladies (e.g. winter blues from a lack of vitamin D or an undiagnosed sickness), demonic attacks, the ongoing pain of difficult family situations, and also in living with chronic pain. Fernando memorably states:

‘Some Christians live within situations where joy seems to be impossible. Even to such, the truth of Romans 15:13 applies: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Our hope is that while grappling with huge physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental challenges, we may still keep trusting God so that deep down, amidst the gloom, we can still say, “I know that I am God’s child, and I know that he is with me.” Then, while feelings of happiness may be missing, the basis for joy is still intact and we have peace in the midst of gloom.’ 

7. The Reality of Frustration

Fernando is Biblically wise to further observe that we live in a fallen world which has itself been subjected to frustration. This should also make us realistic as to what our expectations are in this life. As he states:

Next Paul says, “The whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth” (8:22). Birth pangs represent hopeful groaning amidst pain. Later Paul says that hope prompts us to be patient amidst hardship (8:25). The Bible is clear that there is reward for faithful service. This gives us the courage to persevere. After describing the hope of our resurrection, Paul says, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). 

8. Groaning and Lament

Chapter 8 is a helpful chapter on groaning in lamentation as a substitute to grumbling and therefore quitting. This is an area which is often left unexplored by many Christian writers but is surprisingly prevalent in Scripture, in particular the book of Psalms (e.g. Psalm 13 and 88). There is tremendous comfort in knowing that there is a godly way to express our grief without cursing God as Job’s wife infamously suggested that he should do.

9. The God Who Groans

Following on again from the previous chapter, Fernando digs deeper in the character of God and explores how God himself can identify with our pain. This is expressed perfectly in the person and work of Christ and is an antidote to the bitterness of despair. As Fernando explains:

Here is another antidote to bitterness. Often the closeness of a friend who understands us and remains with us in our pain is what helps heal us from bitterness and despair. What if that friend is God himself? We can expect a full and deep  ministry to our lives from him. Today many hardworking Christians are bitter. They have been faithful, but they are not joyful. They have been hurt, but through sheer determination they have overcome their obstacles. ‘I’ll show them that I can make it despite all their wickedness,” they say. They do make it—and they succeed. But they lack the beauty that comes from being loved by a comforting God…

Others find themselves facing problems that seem impossible to solve. But they groan to God in their pain. And they realize that God groans with them. They enjoy the sweet privilege of experiencing the fellowship of sharing in Christ’s sufferings (Phil. 3:10). They experience God’s love in double measure. This experience of love banishes bitterness. They come through their pain comforted. Part of the sufficient grace that God gives is love that is strong enough to help us overcome bitterness (2 Cor. 12:9).

10. Refreshment through Prayer

Once again this chapter contains some memorable quotes whole avoiding trite or pietistic platitudes. Prayer is an obvious reason why we persevere in serving Christ and Fernando’s coverage of this particular aspect is excellent, particularly in response to the pressure of being perpetually distracted in our modern digital world. As Fernando writes:

Charles Spurgeon said, ‘I believe that when we cannot pray, it is time that we prayed more than ever. And if you answer, ‘But how can that be?’ I would say, pray to pray. Pray for prayer. Pray for the spirit of supplication. Do not be content to say, “I would pray if I would.” No, but if you cannot pray, pray till you can.”

We are made to commune with God. That is an essential feature of authentic humanity. But we can block out that part of our life through excessive activity and through bondage to the digital world. One way to restore and affirm the priority of communion with God is to cease from busy activity in order to give ourselves to being alone with God. So Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret” (Matt. 6:6).

11. Battling Insecurity

Returning to an earlier theme, Fernando again addresses the issue of insecurity demonstrating just how multi-faceted it is.

One of the main causes of burnout is insecurity. The struggle with deep insecurities can drain our spirits and make us seek fulfillment in unhealthy ways. Insecurity is the result of being unsure of ourselves and our place in life, which results in deep-seated shame about who we are.

Insecurity expresses itself in different ways in different people, including how we approach life and work. Some are crushed by the negative messages they have received in life, and they lose their motivation to excel. Some settle for mediocre performances. Some struggle with discouragement, self-doubt, or depression. Some respond to the pain they have faced in life with anger; they are easily annoyed and prone to respond with unwise hostility in difficult situations.

I especially appreciated what he had to say about the impact of sin. This obviously needs to be addressed and resolved if we’re to know God’s blessing (Jam. 5:16). As Fernando rightly explains:

We cannot have fellowship with God if we continue to sin. John says, “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6). And, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (2:6; see also 2:4; 4:20). When I led Youth for Christ, I sometimes would learn that a staff worked would get angry at the slightest provocation. I would ask myself two questions: “Is this person working too hard and not getting enough sleep?” and “Has this person fallen into a serious sin?”

12. Guarding our Integrity

Following on again from the previous chapter, Fernando talks about the importance of integrity versus worldly indicators of performance or numerical success:

Garry Trudeau, creator of the Doonesbury comic strip, once said, “There is something disturbing in our society when men wish not to be esteemed but to be envied.” We envy people for their success and esteem people for their character. Ours is a celebrity culture where success is measured by things like fame and popularity. Sadly, many Christian leaders also evaluate success by these measures.

13. Conscience: Other’s and Ours

Chapter 13 is a good examination on the role of our conscience and how important it is to walk closely with the LORD:

John Bunyan (1628-1688) spoke of how some people “confess sins notionally and by halves.” We block grace through half-confessed sin. Often people confess only the part of their sin that was found out, and they hide the part that is not known by others. The price of half-confession is not worth paying. To lose grace is to lose our greatest treasure. We may avoid some temporary shame, but we forfeit the privilege of being people whom the Spirit can freely use, and we lose our greatest earthly wealth: the joy of the LORD.

14. Contentment in a Celebrity Culture

While there was a lot to take away in this chapter—and there have been too many notorious examples of late as to what he is warning about—I especially appreciated how Fernando exhorts the reader not to find their identity in their pain. Ministry provides a unique opportunity to be hurt by others, and it is easy to hold on to past grievances. That said, when we do it destroys us spiritually within and will surely result in us not remaining vibrant in our Christian service. As Fernando observes:

One of the saddest parts of my ministry is working with people who don’t want to be healed from such wounds. They want to cling to the idea that they have been wronged. Hurt becomes a part of their identity. The sense that they have been wronged gives them an excuse for being angry. This leaves them vulnerable to making serious mistakes in life. If they encounter other experiences of rejection, they could overreact and become a spectacle, resulting in a severe loss of credibility…

New Testament scholar T. W. Manson has said, “In the kingdom of God, service is not a steppingstone to nobility. It is nobility, the only nobility which is recognized.”

15. Innovation, Growth, Excellence, and God’s Glory 

Fernando also challenges servants of Christ to not be stuck in their ways but to continue to not only try new things but to also seek to glorify God with the first-fruits of our lives (Mal. 1:6-8).

Those who are not committed to excellence in what they do for God will soon lose their freshness. A driving ambition to do what they do well is replaced by an addiction to mediocrity. They soon get bored, and service becomes an unexciting routine. And their attitude can influence the mood of their whole team. 

This passion can be a source of freshness in our lives. It gives us a holy ambition, which drives us in our work and drives away bore- dom. Now we do not compete with others, but we compete with ourselves. It makes me want to be the best Ajith Fernando that I can be—all so God may be glorified through the quality of my work. 

16. Refreshment through Our Call and the Scriptures 

Somewhat surprisingly, Fernando waits until the end of the book to address the subject of one’s calling to ministry, the place of the Scriptures and also the blessing of Scripture-based books. Fernando has a robust view of the power of God’s Word as well as the wonderful privilege of being an ambassador for Christ. Fernando gives the following illustration:

I once heard Dr. Michael Raiter, the former principal of the Melbourne School of Theology, describe a conversation he had with an elderly Australian preacher. Raiter asked him, “Do you ever feel like giving up?” The preacher answered, “No.” Raiter asked him how that was possible. He said, “I think of the angels. The angels in heaven can do many wonderful things. But there’s one thing they cannot do. They can’t preach. And that I can do.” 

17. Grace through Friends 

This is also an area which is often overlooked but is incredibly important. The Lord often graciously brings friends into our lives to encourage us, helping us to not lose hope and persevere (See Prov. 18:24).

I can say that a major reason why many servants of God do not maintain freshness in life and ministry is that they are not able to handle their weaknesses well… I can confidently say that many of these problems can be avoided if we have friends who walk alongside us, who know us and our weaknesses, who encourage us when we are down, and who have the freedom to speak into our lives with rebuke and advice. Friends are a key to maintaining freshness. 

Our friends’ prayers for us have a powerful influence in our lives. Paul described Epaphras as “wrestling in prayer” for the church from which he hailed in Colossae (Col. 4:12 NIV)

18. Friends in Times of Need 

The final chapter is another deeper exploration of the previous one. Friendship is not just positive in providing encouragement and comfort but also correction and rebuke (Proverbs 27:5–6). As Fernando writes:

True friends will be faithful in sensitively, graciously, and humbly confronting people when they see alarming behaviour. A bad friend will gossip to other people about their suspicions. And a fool will refuse to take the warnings of faithful friends seriously. 

Knowing that we are susceptible to temptation, God gave us friends to help us in our pursuit of holiness. Paul said, “Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). 

Conclusion

I was thankful for this book. While it’s not very long, it provides a much-needed encouragement. It’s the type of book that you could easily buy and then give away to a friend. Joyful Perseverance is itself the product of a long and faithful ministry. As the apostle Paul writes: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thess. 5:23-24).