The work my team is doing this month can’t be considered ministry. I mean we’re living down the street from a beach in Thailand. And how in the world could what we’re doing possibly be furthering the Kingdom of God? These were my thoughts at the beginning of the month.
Part of our ministry this month has been doing yard work, which kind of frustrated me at first. I didn’t like it partially because I’m allergic to grass (and basically everything nature), but also because I kept thinking “how is picking weeds on a property no one even owns, ministry?”
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the word ministry is sharing the Gospel with people. And in Thailand, my first thought would be working with victims of human trafficking. So how am I sharing Jesus here if I’m pulling weeds and picking up trash? It just didn’t seem to go together in my mind…
But one day about an hour into working, I felt God ask me, “Why do you underestimate the ways I work?” He, of course, had a point. I was underestimating Him. So I began to trust that God could use me in any circumstance, as long as I am willing, but I still wanted to know exactly how in this case.
Then God started to show me the importance He places on beauty. To put it simply, it’s the way He romances our hearts. In the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, they explain this, “God’s version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion.” I finally realized that by bringing beauty to the world, my team and I really are glorifying His name.
So don’t underestimate the power and influence that comes from even the simplest acts of everyday life. God can and does work through them just as much as grand acts of faith. What may seem small to you could change someone else’s life or way of thinking. It could be the beauty or hope or love of Jesus that they need.
We are officially halfway through the race, and our final deadline is coming up on March 1st. I have already raised $14,140 and only need another $2,110 to stay on the race. Please prayerfully consider joining me in this adventure. Any donation is so greatly appreciated. Don’t underestimate the work God can do through small acts of generosity!
