Ministry. It’s a word we hear and use a lot on the Race. It’s a word that can mean a whole lot of different things.
For me, on the Race, Ministry has meant doing random administrative tasks, playing with preschoolers, teaching Bible lessons to a group of prisoners, tossing around a balloon with people who have special needs, digging holes, slashing grass, raking leaves, hanging out with street kids, painting walls, staining bamboo.
Ministry has also looked like casting out demons, walking alongside teammates through some pretty uncomfortable stuff, initiating conversations that I really didn’t want to have, and so much more.
This year, the definition of ‘Ministry’ has expanded exponentially for me. However, through all the various things it has meant this year, there has still been one constant.
Provision.
On my own, I cannot do any of it. I am Inadequate. Really Inadequate. BUT, when I forget about myself and choose to walk into whatever ‘ministry’ opportunity the Lord has put before me, He ALWAYS shows up. He accomplishes THROUGH me what I could never think of doing on my own.
2 Corinthians 12:9 might be my new favourite verse. It says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Through all the change and unknown a year like this holds, there is one constant. Jesus. He’s the same yesterday, today, forever and He never leaves me hanging.
When presented with almost all of the ministry opportunities I listed previously, I felt inadequate, undereducated and too inexperienced. But God isn’t looking for education, experience or capability. He’s looking for willingness. He doesn’t need me to accomplish what He has to do. He chooses to let me be a part of it and it’s incredible!
I am weak, but that allows Him to shine even brighter.
