Do Your Best and Forget The Rest

If you have ever seen this pet commercial you have felt bad for these animals. They work on our emotions and it makes me want to buy them all. If you didn't feel bad when you watched it I will have a special prayer blog for you later. These and other commercials like it make you feel that you aren't doing enough in your life to help others in need. I know your busy and that your life is chaotic. You have just enough time to work, spend time with family, sleep, serve at church, and sleep more. I want you to know that it's OK. You can't do everything! There is only 24 hours in a day, as Tony Horton says, "Do your best and forget the rest!"

You can't do everything, but you can do something. In your busy day, you will come into contact with many that need your help (on the job doesn't count). You can't help them all, but pick one and serve them. In Acts 3 Peter and John are going to worship in the temple and there begging is a crippled man. Peter tells the man that he had no money but then in the name of Christ healed the man. Peter didn't heal the man and give him money, because he couldn't. He did what he could. In the same way as you go through your day you may not be able to do it all, but you can share the love of Christ. Whether its going to your hospital and clearing out the sick, or putting up someone's grocery cart for them. When you notice someone in the office is a little down and out, take time to talk to them about life and not work. Show those around you Christ with your words and actions. You can't do everything, but you can do something.

What's Ministry Really Like

This is one for the geniuses in the world who wonder about what ministry is like. Ministry is tough. I'm a youth pastor and its tough and frustrating and stressful. It keeps me up late at night thinking and pondering on sermon series, meetings, people I need to meet with or call. I have meetings I need to have growing out my whazo and its almost impossible to have them when everyone will be there. Ministry is hard, its no wonder so many ministers have short or no hair (THEY PULL IT ALL OUT!!).

However I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. I love what God has called me to, I love where God has called me. There is nothing like sitting in the back of a sanctuary and watch students lead. Its amazing when I see students praying for one another, coming up to me and letting me know they have a word from God they would like to share during service. It makes every headache, sleepless night, meeting worth it!

I love ministry because it is tough. This way I have to depend on God for my guidance and direction. If it were easy, I would be more likely to do my own thing. I need the Word of God in my life so I can speak truth into myself and others. I need time with God in prayer so I can hear His voice so I can do/be what He has called me to do/be. I need Him, because without Him I'm steering a carriage with no horses. This is what ministry is really like, hard and painful but with God leading you its worth it. I'm reminded of Christ, He had to suffer and die to accomplish God's will.

Are we willing to suffer in ministry for God's will to be done?