In the midst of the deep discouragements that can come our way in ministry, there is one thing that will keep us encouraged and focused on Christ: The Gospel. The Gospel protects us from flimsy self-dependence and the idol of oth- ers’ approval. It keeps us rooted in God Himself so that we will not run after things that we think will satisfy us or give us value. The gospel is what sustains us through good times and through bad times, through mountaintops and through valleys. Nothing else can satisfy us in ministry—not a bigger church, not writing a book, not launching more community groups, nor whatever else we think will give us the satisfaction, joy, and peace we long for. Only the gospel will satisfy.