One of my favorite childhood movies was The Wizard of Oz. I admired their teamwork, mutual support, and commitment to perseverance through many trials to reach their goals.

We want people to like us. We don’t like being told no. It can feel too personal. It’s not about us (thank God), and they are only saying God hasn’t provided them money earmarked for the particular ministry you represent at this time. Our identity is in Christ, Who won’t ever reject us.

As a child, I never feared the big, bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood. He looked tough, but I figured I could take him, especially with him dressed like my grandmother. But my biggest fear was, you guessed it, quicksand.

Do you know why your partners give financially to your ministry? What do they get out of partnering with you? Have you ever asked them? Does it matter whether we know or not? Should this understanding affect how and what we communicate with them?