Happy Friday! This week we explore an introductory look at ministry in the Bible- what is is, isn’t, and a brief personal recount of my ministry journey.
Our scripture this week comes from I Samuel 16 and follows the ministry and kingship journey of David. David was anointed the next king after essentially being overlooked. His father didn’t even bother to call him out of the pasture until all his other brothers were assessed and rejected by She prophet, Samuel. And once anointed, he was later recommended to be of service to King Saul for his musical talents and not his care and concern for sheep or his bravery to protect them but because he played the lyre really well. He was then nearly killed by King Saul without even knowing why Saul hated him and forced to live in caves for decades before coming into his kingship.
But his small beginning led to a full and rich relationship with God and leading Gods people. David made an impact on God and the Israelites when he was just tending to sheep. He had an ego (chapter 17 vs 25-28) and had to be humbled but God purposed for David to be of service to His chosen people.
Our ministry journey will more than likely have similar themes- rejection, shame, pride, enemies, uncertainty. But even through all these things, Gods hand is still preparing us to be of service to Him and man. Notice ministry isn’t preparation for fame, wealth, notoriety- it’s simply preparation to be used by God in benefit of others. The very painful and shameful experiences we have are usually tied to our ministry. Davids sheep tending was used by God. Joseph’s visions and dreams, used by God. Jeremiah’s weeping and youth lamented for Israel and he prophesied under the reign of the youngest Israelite king. What he was ridiculed for and rejected for, God used. God will use what people reject and what you yourself may be very critical of your own self about, and take you through it and grow you up so that you can encourage and lead others through when they face it.
What we are most shame about in our past and/or present, God most likely wants to use. So transparent moment here: For the past few years my marriage and kiddos and my mind have been in the pits. It seemed like a month after God instructed me to write my second book titled “Marriage, Ministry, and Motherhood, my world turned upside down. I couldn’t understand what changed. Now in retrospection I understand. He was making me a subject matter expert. He bypassed the need for formal training and gave me first hand experience. I was a MESS. But God was determined to give me His MESSage to share with others.
So if you’re experiencing something similar currently I underwent a traumatic experience, in the words of TD Jakes, “Get ready!“ Im pretty sure God is about to use your MESS for His MESSage too.
I love you. God loves you more!
Comments