Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Convenient Ministry

I got the idea for this blog after having lunch with a dear friend yesterday. After our chat, I realized how true ministry just isn't convenient sometimes AND that it really shouldn't be. My friend longs to be a missionary in the Middle East (i.e., Iraq, Iran, etc.). To me, that seems like a very inconvienent ministry and I'd love to persuade her to stay stateside, meet someone special, have a family and serve the local church. But to her, ministering in that part of the world is what she is being prepped for and what God is calling her to do. WOW! She is truly letting God use her even if it is inconvenient to her or her family.

After all, Jesus' ministry wasn't convenient either. He had to constantly teach and correct his 12 best friends. He had to travel all over the countryside (by foot most of the time). He often woke up early and ministered at all times of the day and night. And, he was called by God to sacrificially die at a young age so that each of us could be saved and live for an eternity.

You know, the most exciting rush I ever get is doing ministry that is entirely inconvienent to me. Meaning that I have to change my personal plans and motives in order to do something for someone else. Our plans can change and we can change our lives to do ministry. How often do you do that? Is your ministry convenient or do you go out of your way for others? Am I willing to pray for God to make things inconvenient for me to do ministry? Do you want to pray that with me? Anyone?

2 comments:

Carrie said...

Ok hold on, it's hard for me to type when someone is jumping up and down on my toes!

Wow, what great words my friend!

Sara said...

Forgive me for blog hopping on to your sweet words, but I find it so true.

It seems I've gotten comfortable in my "routine". You know, Go to church, serve in the nursery, etc... and then I feel God tugging at my heart telling me, "Child I asked you to change when you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior... now I'm asking you to change again. Not only that, but you'll have to change drastically and more times then you'd prefer."

It's so crazy how your words jumped out at me. :) Thanks!