“The best time of preparation for future ministry, are times of unemployment and a regrouping from past ministry.” – Random man as Starbucks (paraphrased)
The amount of spiritual conversations I have at random Starbucks by my home, would make you believe God prefers to interact with me over coffee than over confession. Last week, after a disheartening few days, a man that I saw weeks ago thirty miles from home, randomly ran into me at a different location. Of course, this could be coincidence but what he said was not. After lamenting through sighs and broken statements, he merely assured me that maybe God was doing something behind the scenes.
While the term “ministry” can mean many things and be practiced anywhere, there is something in me that wants to be a part of a church. Working odd jobs have taught me that there are few things I am truly good at (I don’t say this for sympathy, but simply to express that we can’t do it all). While I do not wish to boast on myself, this past month has reinforced in me that teaching and writing within faith are gifts from above. These are also where my heart comes alive. They always have. The strained process of applying and interviewing, have only reinforced this passion for me. I fear to do something else, would be to perhaps run from the plan of God.
Right now, I am healing and changing spiritually. I feel a very practical God meeting me in my doubts and using strangers to encourage me. Truth is, I have had more spiritual conversations – including those about the practice of “church”- since I was asked to step away from ministry, than I did in previous years. No matter how much I block that faith area of my life, He seems happy to burst through any barrier to grab my attention.
God is always speaking, but perhaps in our desperation, He speaks more. Our relational God uses relationships to communicate essential Truths and encouragements to His kids. Today, may He speak to you and may you be able to feel His words practically.
Matt simon blog 