No matter where you serve in God’s ministry (greeter, sunday school teacher, grounds keeper, minister, etc.), its likely that you have experienced this before.  Its the occasional season when we tend to take our calling for granted and almost slip into an ‘auto-pilot’ mode regarding our service.  I don’t think we do this consciously, but let’s be honest.  We are human, therefore, we do need reminders now and then to keep us focused.

I received one of those reminders today during our staff ‘Crave’ hour.  After some time of prayer, I was led to this passage.

I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry-  1 Timothy 1:12  (HCSB)

Paul took time and found it important to….

…acknowledge Christ

…thank Jesus for strength

…thank God for trusting him — and using him for Kingdom work

For those of us who are serving in the purposes of God, let us always remain humble, focused, and ready.  May we never regard ministry work as being held prisoner to an esthetically dull cubical plagued with outdated ‘to-do’ sticky notes.  Ministry is anything BUT monotonous!  It is not 9 to 5.  It is not easy.  It is not always rewarding.

BUT

It does orchestrate life change in people, both here in this life and in the next life with Jesus.

Two years ago, I had had all I could take with ‘church politics,’ weak leadership, and being chewed up and spit out one too many times.  I was done!  I was on my way to being one of those ‘older than average’ Starbucks baristas into retirement.  Over time God wrapped His arms around me (in the form of the Church), slowly and gently pulling me back to my original call.

Today, read the Timothy verse (above) again….and thank Jesus for trusting you with His work.  Saying ‘Yes’ to God’s work isn’t always rewarding, but remember this.  The creator of the Heavens and Earth considered YOU!