She has macular degeneration and her vision is quickly growing very dim. She has been housebound and is unable to work. She is quickly losing her ability to do things independantly and has basically shut herself off from the outside world. Her husband was a pastor and had passed away 2 years earlier. She told us of their last conversation and how they held hands for the last time that very day. A short while later he went to take his daily shower and she found him in a praying position with the water running over his body in the shower. He had already gone to be with the Lord.
She mentioned to me how that, because of her situation she doesn't feel that she has a ministry anymore. Oh how my heart broke for her! I encouraged her that she DOES have a ministry and God can use her in her situation! Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us!
Sometimes it's messy and very uncomfortable!
And did I mention that it HURTS??? Oh yes it hurts!
Our ministry capacity might not be what we've desired and had in times past,
but God has a ministry for each and person.
but God has a ministry for each and person.
Right now.
At this moment where we are at. In the middle of the pain, the hurt and the suffering.
All of this~ God can use!
The best person to help a hurting person is one who has been hurt.
If you are breathing God has a purpose for you~ to use you. To touch, strengthen and encourage those around you from what you have been through.
Your life can touch others in ways unimaginable!
In the church world there is this notion that only people who are serving in a large capacity are ministering.
It's the false premise that ministering is only done by pastor's, pastor's wives, evangelists, speakers and writers and... It's NOT true!
Ministering is believers in action! You!
If you are a Christian, you are living, breathing, walking and sharing a testimony of the Grace of God!
Pray for friends.
Read the Bible with them.
Befriend them.
Bring someone food.
Help a hurting family.
Bring a sick person soup.
Visit a shut in.
But the most important way to minister is to love.
Only you can touch people in significant ways because you are an instrument (and minister) for Him!
In what ways can we be God's hands and feet and reach out to others?
Let your lifesong sing~
Beautifully put....and oh so true! Thanks for sharing...:)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Vicky
Life On Willie Mae Lane
Aw~ thank you so much Vicky!
DeleteYour post really touched me. Your words are so true and are so encouraging. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe song you posted is one of my favorites!
Thank you Mecky! It's always so great to see you!
DeleteI forgot to mention. The way the lady's husband passed. Other than being in the shower. What a way to pass from this earth: speaking with God through the son.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add a part to this story... She had mentioned also how they were lying in bed that morning and he wanted to hold her hand. She asked him, "Why are you holding my hand?" He told her... because I want to! Isn't that sweet?
DeleteWhat a sweet post! I want to be like that couple when the hubby and I are older. I take so much for granted. It really is freeing to serve God and others--even in ways that seem little. A meal or conversation with someone can mean the world to them!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carrie! I think we all take everyday things for granted. I almost lost my hubby last year and it sure has changed my thoughts on so many things!
DeleteI love this post and as a pastor's wife say a hearty "Amen!"
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you the number of times people have come up to my husband or myself when they see a need or have an idea and say "Someone should do something about that!"
We agree, "Great idea and if God has given you that passion then maybe you are the one that needs to be doing it!" or something like that.
How many times do we see a need and want "someone else" to meet it? How many times do we want a particular ministry in the church but want someone else to do it.
Sometimes a particular thing isn't our gifting, and sometimes we just need to stretch ourselves.
It can be a scary thing to start a new ministry or stretch yourself but God equips who He calls!
Sometimes we need to serve in the ministry in which we are called so that others can be freed up to do the ministry in which THEY are called.
Love this song, it's a favorite! Thanks for linking up to "Making Your Home Sing Monday!" :)
Beautiful post! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Tammy! Just visited your blog! What a lovely home you have!
DeleteSo true. I am neck deep in a ministry a friend and I started for single moms, and we would love to have more prayer warriors. We need prayers for our girls, our mentors, and for us. We need prayers for wisdom and would welcome them from this sweet lady. Please give her a hug from me! This could be the most eternally productive time of her life!
ReplyDeleteSo true Susan about this time being the most productive! God does take the hard times and turns them into something beautiful!
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