When I was in high school my absolute favorite thing to do was play football, I loved every bit of it! I often played the entire game with little rest. Playing both offense and defense is not easy. There are times your coach has to take you out for rest. The rest isn’t necessarily just for your body, but for your mind as well. I remember feeling so low when I got taken out, I felt like I did something wrong. I felt like a benchwarmer.
It never even crossed my mind that I was taken out because my coaches cared about me.
Why did I share this experience with you?
Well I’ll tell ya!
I had a similar experience with the Lord last week.
I came into this month full speed and ready to bring some Jesus! I was fired up. I knew coming in that we were going to have to create our own ministry opportunities this month, and I was ready to take that initiative.
Day 1 I was placed in a 1st grade classroom with absolutely no order. As the kids screamed and the teacher gave her all to gain the attention of just one child, I was facing my own battle.
I kept thinking to myself….
“What are my gifts and how can I use them here”
God said “just wait”
I didn’t want to wait, I wanted to take control and start creating ministry opportunities.
God, again… “wait be patient with me”
After a few hours of me trying to take control, God put me on the bench.
How? You might ask.
Well you see God knows me, he knows I’m stubborn sometimes. He knew that day the only way he could slow me down was to allow a migraine. This migraine was so bad I had to leave the class, find a quiet place and sleep.
The next day I was ready to let God do whatever he wanted.
“God I give you all control, forgive me for my stubbornness and ignorance”
I was given an assignment change…..
To the quiet library….
Sorting books…..
Yeah that’s right, I’m still on the bench.
So this is when I thought of my little football story I shared with you at the beginning.
I decided to have some wisdom and accept Gods loving gesture of putting me on the bench.
I prayed, listened to sermons and worshipped all day as I sorted books.
The next day was the same thing. I was so spiritually full, I could almost see the peace overflowing. I am still so spiritually full, and I know that being on the bench doesn’t mean I’m out of the game. Rest, is a very important part of the game. I am thankful for a loving God (coach) who knows when to take me out.
Our ministry this month is tough. We aren’t being asked to preach, or lead bible studies. We are not surrounded by other Christians who understand our mission mindset. We are simply here to serve. God has us here for a reason and we will continue to boldly proclaim His name. Even on the bench. We will bless these kids, teachers and interns. We will be the light, and we will pray without ceasing. Sometimes you have to create the ministry, it won’t always be handed to you.
This is true for all of us.
How can you create ministry today? And every day, for the rest of your life.
