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not what I expected


This has been a strange but good few weeks for ministry.  I love, really love the people that I get to work with.  They are from every walk of life and on every level or path or planet that you can imagine.

I am dealing with several couples whose marriages are really struggling and for many different reasons.  God is working and drawing some people closer to him in sweet ways.  There is a lady battling severe medical issues.  Several people continue to struggle with mental health issues.  Late Tuesday night during a horrible rainstorm I was honored to meet some new friends that are homeless.  This weekend I will have the honor of officiating a wedding at one of the local country clubs.  From counseling to hospital visits to benevolence and working with the homeless, this has and is a time that I really love.

Every day is full of surprises.  My schedule is often changed due to crisis or pain or tears or a number of things.  Please understand that I am not complaining but pointing out the fact that yesterday was not what I expected.

I sat with a young man Wednesday morning that is struggling with addiction and a huge desire to be clean.  That was right after I attended my daughter’s academic awards assembly on the last day of her middle school career.  This afternoon I got to interview several homeless people in our community and went looking for others in our area who are homeless.  The day ended with a counseling session and a trip to visit the hospital to see one of our men from church.

But this is not the only day that literally was not what I expected.  The people that we get to deal with are awesome.  Most are not the normal Joe or Jane that is part of the traditional church.  If you join us on Sunday or even another day of the week, you will find what I am talking about.  I recently listened to several of our people tell their stories.  I heard about a life of pain and on to how they have experienced healing through God’s grace and finding acceptance.

That is why life can be full of stress, questions and adventure, yet at the same time life and ministry is satisfying and strong.  We are blessed to be able to serve in places some people will never see.

Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and allow your day to be not what you expected?  It’s not always easy.  But it is always an adventure that is open wide to seeing God work in my life and in the people around us

Jude 22-23 NLT
And you must show mercy tot those whose faith is wavering.  Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

“Ministry is messy” – Gary Lamb

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