I was reminded today that ministry is hard.
Why am I always surprised with that?
Why does it seem to hit me like an assault?
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church
Colossians 1:24
Ministry is costly.
my devotion the other day read:
When the heavenly Father wanted to save His creation from sin, He could find no other way except the sacrifice of His Son (Rom. 5:8)
If Christ is my model for ministry (and He is), I can not avoid going to the cross of the sake of others. If my goal is to bring others to Christ, I must be willing, as He was, to risk hurt, rejection, misunderstanding of my motives, persecution....
I must also extend grace and forgiveness....
.....even when I don't want to....
But that is so much easier said than done.
Our Savior did not let suffering prevent Him from being used by God to bring salvation to those He loved.
Sometimes I wonder if the price is too great.
But then I look at the price God was willing to pay to bring salvation to ME.
And realize just how small my hardship is in comparison.
Satan would like me to believe it is too much and not fair.
But I know otherwise.
Today I am praying that God would give me a heart to join Him in whatever is necessary to bring salvation to those around me.
Why am I always surprised with that?
Why does it seem to hit me like an assault?
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church
Colossians 1:24
Ministry is costly.
my devotion the other day read:
When the heavenly Father wanted to save His creation from sin, He could find no other way except the sacrifice of His Son (Rom. 5:8)
If Christ is my model for ministry (and He is), I can not avoid going to the cross of the sake of others. If my goal is to bring others to Christ, I must be willing, as He was, to risk hurt, rejection, misunderstanding of my motives, persecution....
I must also extend grace and forgiveness....
.....even when I don't want to....
But that is so much easier said than done.
Our Savior did not let suffering prevent Him from being used by God to bring salvation to those He loved.
Sometimes I wonder if the price is too great.
But then I look at the price God was willing to pay to bring salvation to ME.
And realize just how small my hardship is in comparison.
Satan would like me to believe it is too much and not fair.
But I know otherwise.
Today I am praying that God would give me a heart to join Him in whatever is necessary to bring salvation to those around me.
8 comments:
Beautiful, Sara! And a great reminder!!!
Sara - oh, my sister I feel your pain! It takes a ministry wife to be able to fully understand and I do my sweet friend!
Does it help to know that I am praying for you? I will be lifting you up to our precious Lord.
Grace extended is so much harder when you just don't want to give it. I hear you loud and clear. I'm praying for courage for you.
Yep, there is a reason God CALLS people to the ministry. As humbling as it is. Hang in there sara. BIG HUGS!
Great thoughts. You will definitely like the Radical book!
Hang in there!
no words, just
(((((((hugs)))))))
I know.
I'm reading between the lines and praying for a happy time for you Sara.
I'm going to focus prayers this week on pastor's wives.. starting with you. Thank you for your sacrifice. Your life makes a difference.
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