That you cannot impact the lives of others with something or in this case someone who is not real to you is a given.
You cannot minister to others until God has ministered unto you! If you fail in your walk with God then you fail as a minister of God. Don't ever presume that you can do the work of God without the help of God.
So many throughout the ages have failed here! If the truth be known all of us have stumbled at this very bridge, but a bridge it is and the first of many which must be crossed daily by those who will attempt to make a difference for Christ.