Ministry
There is something beautiful in every mess, it just needs to be discovered
The beginnings of faithfulness
You sign up for ministries, different kinds and different levels.. they start small and you’re excited to help in anyway possible. Just as you begin the enemy attacks you so you won’t be faithful.
Now the smallest ministries seemed to be the most trying. One time when I had gotten into a disagreement with my better half about the speed and success of my overcomplicated lasagna style grilled cheese sandwiches, I had about given up. Was all this hustle worth being burnt up over? They could find someone talented in the kitchen who has this easy, here I am struggling to make these sandwiches and jeopardizing my relationship. Never budgeting for it and spending the last amount for something I would have to give away.
Always seemed like walking through fire to make these sandwiches. I’d considered giving up fasting because of the opposition and mostly of who I became without food. I didn’t see the benefit. And I wasn’t seeing the benefit in this with the wrong heart posture. Slowly the enemy was using his tactics to manipulate the truth of service and being faithful in little. It is better to give than it is to receive. Financial, emotional, and relational spheres were being under attack and tested. How would I handle this, would I give up under pressure?
Could a diamond be formed from making church sandwiches?! Why yes it can!
The Lord will turn all things to good for us who love Him. The best lessons of endurance and faithfulness has been through the sandwich ministry. We can attest that nothing is accidental or ever wasted by the Lord. There is beauty in consistency. Be faithful in little proves you will be faithful in much.
When we go back and push through and pursue those areas that challenge us, the ones that don’t come easy because we gave a word and made a commitment, we receive the biggest blessing out of it! It may be disguised as chaos and mess but when we look deeper we can see the real beauty in ashes. Our character is being chipped away at by the things that press in on us. As my husband puts it, I’m not that diamond yet but I’m sure grateful for the messes and pressure the Lord uses to shape and form me! One day I’ll sparkle, today I’m making sandwiches, overcoming myself and staying faithful.
Be faithful. Keep going, keep doing: it matters!
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