The last few months of our ministry at New Beginnings have been challenging. We have had three young women transition into our home and a few others whose stays were brief as they were unable to complete our program. During some of the more difficult days during one woman’s stay, (to be vulnerable) I had thought that maybe I wasn’t cut out for this kind of ministry. But in those moments of prayer and desperation, God was whispering to my heart, “This is real life, and the issues you’re dealing with are real life issues. This isn’t a ministry issue.” I realized I couldn’t blame my lack of patience or endurance on the circumstances, but on my depravity and need for more of God’s Spirit in my heart. The issues I was struggling with weren’t going to be solved by switching jobs, they would be solved by the transformation of my own heart—that was humbling!
This did something deeper in my heart, too. The more I think about Jesus' life and ministry, I see the line between life and ministry blurring. Jesus' life WAS ministry--or, to use a better word-- love. Wherever we're at, we're called to love. Whatever fully occupies my time for the rest of my life, to love is my job. I can't run away from my mandate to love, whatever job I or anyone else has.
None of us are excused from a life of ministry. But we are free to partner with our amazing God wherever we choose to go in loving people into the kingdom of God. We all get to live a glory-filled life of loving our God and loving His people. How exciting!
