Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Redefining ministry


One of the things the Lord taught me through my depression is that my striving FOR Him is useless, a chasing after the wind. Sound familiar? I spent years working in ministry, doing all I could do on my own power. The whole "my yoke is easy" concept...never really got that. In striving and dragging the yoke myself, I was worn out. As the years went by the baggage mounted, but keeping it as neat and tidy as possible, I continued to pull it along. My body, exhausted, finally gave up.

It was the best thing that could have happened to me.

I'm stubborn. Yes I am. If I had not come to that breaking point, I guarantee you I'd still be working like a crazy woman, dragging the yoke behind me in the name of "ministry".

My definition of ministry has changed drastically over the last year. I now realize as I truly abide in Him, I don't have to go looking for ministry opportunities. As I cease striving and keep my feet firmly planted on the path He has set before me, He brings those opportunities to me. Interestingly enough, I wonder how many opportunities I missed before because I was too busy working my fool head off for what I thought was ministry. Now don't get me wrong. I know some of what what took place over the last 20 years was true ministry, but honestly He had to get me out of the way before He could really use me. Unknowingly, ministry had become more about what I got out of it, than about His purposes and plans. Ouch!

I am thankful He is able to take my warped ideas and baggage and use them in some way for HIS ultimate glory. Ministry has absolutely nothing to do with me and everything to do with Him...and that my friends is a very good thing.

4 comments:

  1. So good Angela! I agree whole-heartedly. Ministry isn't what you do, it's who you are. You have always been "ministry" especially as an encouraging friend to me!
    I love hearing what God is teaching you through your blogs!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree! Like you, I have finally started to figure out that I only need to seek Him and what I learn from Him is then in turn what I pass on to others. First and foremost, I have to learn what I then teach to others....otherwise, it is me doing it in my own strength and ultimately I run out! Hope that makes sense.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey Ang-
    I know your ministry to me was the real deal! Glad you were willing ;) YOu are a major part of our testimony.
    Thank you for writing this.

    ReplyDelete

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