"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17 NKJV
Last time I left you guys, I was speaking on how actions speak louder than words. I know it has been a while, but what better way to go about following my own words than actually doing work.
The last several weeks have been full of so many tasks, activities, and trials. I've begun a regular routine of evangelizing on campus at Jacksonville University (I still be at UNF I didn't forgot my Ospreys), attending staff meetings and equipping time with my pastors, and discipling the younger students part of our college ministry, the awakening.
One of the persistent things I heard from people as I got into ministry was not to do to much to start as to make sure not to get burnt out. Ministry is very taxing emotionally and spiritually, and while I do feel a weight of it now, I firmly feel that God has placed me in a position where if I stopped relying on Him would be the only time I would be burnt out.
I don't say this to brag about who I am as a person. I am an extrovert and I love to be around people, but I believe this because of the support system that I have in place. Not only do I have people supporting me financially (shout out to everyone that has given and allowed me to do this!), but I also have a huge support system of family and friends at every corner so far.
I think back to being in Pensacola and the friendships I was making there. From everyone at BCM, to Pastor Heath at Hillcrest, to the Cavnar's bible study. I was forming friendships and bonds that today, prove to be the difference in my ministry work.
I haven't forgotten everyone that's placed elsewhere, especially those here in Jacksonville, but I was able to build upon my foundation of Christ extremely well because of my friends and leadership in Pensacola. Which brings me to what really got me excited to post today, my friends Logan and Katie literally drove 5 1/2 hours to Jacksonville to see me give my first sermon yesterday. I couldn't thank them enough. But it is gestures like that, that God is affirming to me that I am exactly where He wants me to be, and that alone couldn't make me any happier.
This last month, I've honestly been on my grind. Whether it's setting up and cleaning up for awakening, or putting together the schedule and coordinating for our annual Lake Retreat, or prepping sermons for the semester, it has been a joy.
I have a lot of people that continually encourage me and love on me that I wouldn't trade for the world and that is a gift from above that I will cherish.
Something that has been on my mind a lot of late is, what IS next for me? Where do I go from here? Thankfully, I will say, giving my first sermon last night gave me a lot of clarity and affirmation in some areas. Firstly, there will never be a time in my life going forward where ministry work is not my first priority. The work I do may change, it may adapt, and I am sure in different seasons of my life it will look different, but it will always be my priority. Hearing people laugh, seeing them smile, watching their faces as we go through the word of God, wow it is truly a blessing to be a part of.
Lasting thought, (cutting this short because I fully intend to be posting more now that I've done quite a bit of work) remember to count your blessings. Often times, we get upset at what we don't have and envy what others have. If we CONSISTENTLY counted our blessings and the things that are good in our lives, we will in turn stay in our humility and keep a reverence towards God that is necessary in order for Him to use us in our lives.
Also, feel free to comment questions or topics that you want me to discuss or address on here. I've got a few things of content cooking up, but I don't want to miss anything.
Until next time.
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