Seasons of Ministry

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:"

    Over the years you have watched me grow in the Lord on this blog. Over the years, I felt like God was calling me to share my walk with Christ to encourage others. To share and bask in the greatness of our God. To help someone find joy in their life. To help someone learn what it means to bear the fruit of God. To give his saints a picture of serving others. 

    I was reminded last night by a friend (M) that there are seasons in ministry and life. We served our country for 18 years (since retired), we served our community (unofficially adopted children in two states and with hosting for Safe Families), I served the church in (Nursery, Planning VBS, Cooking for VBS, Managing VBS, Greeting New Comers, Teaching a Dave Ramsey classes, Served in hospitality at the coffee bar, Coordinated a youth night, Sang on the worship team, Hosted small groups every week and cooked a meal.) I write all this not to brag or boast but to share just how busy we were. When you are in the middle of it, it becomes your life. It becomes the core of your joy. It becomes why you move forward with your life. Seasons change. 

    For the last seven months, I have racked my brain about what God is calling me to do. How Lord do I serve you next? Is it with Safe Families? No, we're building our dream home out of state. We can't take the said child out of state. Is it in the nursery? No, not at this building; health hazard. Is it worship? Not sure.. it could be. Is it hosting small groups? Why take away from what you have? Then what? What is it, Lord? There has been silence. Was there really? Was I not listening? Was I deaf to the Lord's whispers? "My child, serve your family."

    Serve my Family, Lord? What is that? What does that look like? How and why? I believe He answered me. It's exactly what you do every day. You are mom, wife, and teacher. As a daughter in Christ-gifted children, you teach and lead with Christ as your foundation. They learn by watching you, they learn by example, they learn worshiping, they learn by reading God's word. As a wife you take all that fierceness (boldness) you have learned over the years of service and throw it into your family and husband. You serve your family (nurture, selfless acts of mom life.) You encourage your husband, you listen to your husband, you help your husband in everything. You respect your husband (verbally too). 

   You ask Why? Because in order to serve outside of the family, it starts in your home. It starts in your church. Your foundation in Christ in the home is the feet of serving. When you jump into ministry at the church you become the heart (and arms). When you serve with your church outside of the church. You become the arms and picture of God's love. The very picture of the Gospel.

    You may ask why now? You have served in those seasons before. I think I know the answer. I could be wrong. I feel like God is saying to strengthen that foundation. My children are Teens. Soon they will leave the home. They will start their life, they will get married, and repeat the cycle. Put on that top layer, that lacquer to guarantee the item you love most will not be damaged.  

   So how do I respond? Yes, Lord. I will obey. I will submit. I respond in prayer. I respond with joy. My God is not done with me yet. Does that mean that I won't serve elsewhere? Nope. Only God knows what's next. I am to find my joy in HIM! 

 

I will keep you posted to the best of my abilities :)