.jpg)
I had an interesting day today.... not really that different from others, but a day that brought to mind the reality of the work I have given my life to. A day that reminded me of the frailty of human life. A day that reminded me of my need for total dependence on my Savior, Jesus Christ! While working out at the gym this morning, I had no idea that this reminder would come. And, while not expecting it, I certainly wasn't thinking that I would be given such a vivid picture of the truths of God's Word.
I received two phone calls from a friend and ministry partner who has been experiencing some health issues. This friend was calling from the local ER, and from the sound of it, I could tell that there was concern. With a quick change in my plans, I rushed to the ER to be with this friend and family. On the way, I prayed that God would give me grace, or encouragement, or something that I could offer to them. One of the toughest parts of my work, for me in particualr, is to be the one who stays strong in the midst of discouragement, doubt, fear, and emotion. I felt I could hold it all together, once again, as I searched for the ER room. Then, in an instant, as I walked into the room, I locked eyes with fear, concern, emotion, doubt, tears... but, as I looked eye-to-eye with my friend, even STRONGER than the emotions that I saw and felt, was the reminder of the frailty of each of us humans. I was reminded that when all is said and done in ministry, planning and programs pale in comparison to PEOPLE!Ministry is people!
From that local ER I then traveled to a Children's Hospital about an hour from there to visit one of the students in my Student Ministry. During my travel time I thought alot about the reminder I had just received. That reminder colored the thoughts I had for this student and their family who have been dealing with a pretty major flare-up of a disease that this student has had for several of the 15 years of their life. This flare-up has changed the scope of what is normal, everyday life for this student and for the family. I sat and waited near this students hospital room catching up with my email from my phone while they were away from their room. Then again, just like an hour or two before, once eye-to-eye with this student and their mom, I was reminded that when all is said and done in ministry, planning and programs pale in comparison to PEOPLE! Ministry is people!
Each of these people and their families are dear to the ministry of the church I serve at. Each of these people and their families are growing in their faith and are determined to follow Christ even in these tough times! What incredible testimonies they share! Though neither of them are "out of the woods" concerning their health, each of them - through the frailty that each of us humans possess - shared that they will trust God for whatever their outcome!
On the way home today one more reminder came loud and clear to me. It is the reminder that as we determine to follow God with our lives... as we shepherd, encourage, love, equip and strengthen students and adults in their faith journey... we have an enemy who wants nothing more than to devour all the work that we do to further God's Kingdom (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus said that if His enemies want to trip Him up, and tempt Him, and even try to hurt or kill Him... then we should expect the same. In other words, as greater things are done through our lives and ministry, greater, too, is the "bullseye" on our backs!
Though my heart is heavy today, I don't mind being caught in the "Cross-fire" because "...greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world..."