Ask anyone in ministry and they will undoubtedly tell you it’s hard work. Day after day, reaching out, caring for, and working with individuals who, for whatever reason, feel discarded from life carries an emotional, and sometimes physical, toll to the one giving the care. That’s where I’ve been recently.
Several years back I felt a calling to change the way I look at people. Not to label, not to evaluate by the world’s standards. I knew I had been given a path and I could help those who have traveled the same path. Blemished, unfinished, holding onto secrets, retreating from life — once rescued and restored, they are simply beautiful. But I was struggling in my efforts to reach them.
Then the storms hit. Health issues, family circumstances — I felt a lot like Jeremiah (Lamentations 3:4) — depressed, gloomy, and puny in faith. After sitting on my pity pot (for too long), I began to look up instead of out. I found peace and a willingness to wait for whatever may come. The storm didn’t cease, but my discouragement did.
In our ministry we show participants a mountain we will climb. Difficult at first, but with the correct guide, and with trust, it becomes easier. Week after week, step by step, the view changes, until you reach the top of the mountain – and what a breathtaking view that is. The journey brought weariness, and the height brought fear. Somewhere along the journey I may have lost my footing and focus, then I lost my grip and fell, when suddenly the harness to my guide tightened and the falling ceased.
Now I’m trusting my tether again because my guide will keep me from falling. I won’t quit – my falls may be great, but His strength is greater.
Jude 1:24-25 “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Tagged: Texas weather, trusting God
