Have you ever:
- planned a lesson for kids only to see it fall apart when you actually presented it?
- lost a co-worker when you needed them the most?
- struggled to back a trailer into a tight space?
- felt the magic of a sudden open door to sharing an important spiritual truth with someone?
- struggled to work under someone else’s leadership?
- had a close friend who encouraged you in ministry?
- watched a promising new convert break your heart with an unwise decision?
- served as a cook or dishwasher for camp?
- wondered if your ministry was a failure?
- severely embarrassed yourself while preaching a sermon or giving a lesson?
These are very common occurrences when you are involved in small church ministry. My husband and I have been in mission ministries for more than 40 years. We know what it’s like to keep putting one foot ahead of the other even when we weren’t always sure what the Lord was doing through our ministry.
I am just releasing a new novel about young single adults facing some of these same things in ministry. Short Poppies is first in this series about Americans partnering with New Zealanders in church planting ministry. If you’re in ministry I believe you’ll find that some part of this book will resonate with you. This book has light-hearted moments but also deals with serious issues in ministry. And the ebook is just in time for Christmas!
Buy it at other online stores.
Though we all struggle from time to time, we need to remember that it’s a privilege to be in ministry. When we are working hard, doing our best at what we feel God is leading us to do, we can know that God is working through us whether or not we can see results. 1 Corinthians 15:58 gives us this precious promise: My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Wherever you are today, may you have a blessed Christmas as you minister to others and celebrate on your own.