THE BLOOD-STAINED PATH OF THE TRUE SERVANT

Steve Porter

Before you take on the mantle of Prophet,

Before you call yourself an Apostle,

Before you are quick to wear the titles of Bishop, Pastor, or Evangelist,

Pause—

And remember the trail of blood that paved the way.

Isaiah was sawn in two for the Gospel you now freely preach.

John was plunged into boiling oil, surviving only by a miracle.

Peter was crucified upside down—feeling unworthy to die as his Savior did.

James was thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple and beaten with a club.

Bartholomew was skinned alive.

Andrew embraced the cross with joy, preaching until his last breath.

Thomas was pierced by a spear in India.

Paul was beheaded by Nero after enduring years of chains and torture.

None of these heroes built mega churches.

None sold merchandise.

None launched branding campaigns.

They didn’t seek fame or fortune—they sought souls.

They were poor in the eyes of the world, but rich in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Today, titles can be self-appointed.

Men and women launch themselves into ministry with business cards, websites, and speaking tours—

but know nothing of the altar,

nothing of the wilderness,

nothing of the crushing that births the oil.

Do we still tremble at the call of God?

Do we weep over the lost, or have we become intoxicated with platforms and applause?

Beloved, the call of God is not a career path.

It is a death sentence to the flesh.

It is a daily cross,

a living sacrifice,

a surrender that costs everything.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” —Matthew 16:24 NKJV

Where are the ones who will die for the Gospel?

Not just physically—though some are called to that—

but the dying to comfort, to self, to ego, to agenda?

The Apostles did not count their lives dear.

They did not minister for personal gain.

They laid down everything—for love.

For a Savior they could not deny.

And yet, many today want the title without the tears,

the glory without the groaning,

the pulpit without the pressing.

God is raising up a remnant.

A people not seeking to be seen, but to see Him.

A generation who would rather pray than promote, weep than be worshipped, serve than be celebrated.

Yes, the greater Church is asleep.

We can binge movies for hours but cannot pray for ten minutes.

We scroll endlessly but never touch the pages of God’s Word.

We exalt celebrities, but barely whisper the name of Jesus.

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” —Matthew 15:8 NLT

But there is hope.

The Spirit is still stirring hearts.

He is still calling the unknown, the unqualified, the overlooked to rise and burn with holy fire.

He is awakening a holy hunger.

He is restoring the fear of the Lord.

He is calling you—not to be famous, but faithful.

Not to climb platforms, but to descend into prayer.

Not to build empires, but to advance His Kingdom.

So let us fall on our faces again.

Let us count the cost.

Let us wear no title greater than servant.

And if need be, let us suffer gladly—knowing we do so in the company of those who have gone before us.

“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” —Matthew 10:22 NKJV

You may never be applauded.

You may never fill a stadium.

But if you are faithful to your post—

If you love well, serve quietly, and win souls with tears—

Heaven will know your name.

And in the end, when you stand before the King,

He will not ask, “Did you build something big?”

He will ask, “Did you love Me enough to give it all?”

“Well done, good and faithful servant…

Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

With Love,

Steve Porter