Response To The Unexpected
When I spoke a couple weeks back and launched our Christmas experiences, I said this quote, “A person’s character is revealed by his or her response to the unexpected.” It’s so easy to say that but then when the unexpected happens and you have to live it, that is when it gets difficult. I love the fact that God uses ordinary people to do the extraordinary but sometimes because of the unexpected that will happen in my life I don’t even feel “ordinary” enough for God to use me. Ever feel that way? Ever feel like you blew it? Ever feel like what’s the point?
I’ve been bombarded with messages from students and adults over the last couple weeks that feel that exact way and are ready to quit. My challenge to you is this, if you are a Christ Follower, then you are a child of the King. It may not always feel like it but we don’t walk through life based on emotions and walk through life based on what is happening around us or to us…we walk through life with a joy knowing what was done for us. Find comfort that your joy is found in Christ and Him alone. Maybe as the new year approaches you need to get away from the business of life and run to Him. For those who read this who may not be a Christ follower, there is so much that will keep you from a true relationship with Christ because you will try to fix it before you run to Him. If only I can quit looking at that porn, or put down the bottle, or step away from this addiction of sex and drugs. If only, if only, if only. Just a reminder that you will never be good enough and you will never have it all fixed before you run to Him…so just do it now, He is waiting. He loves you. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. What a great way to start out the new year by giving everything to Him.
Maybe your unexpected moment before the new year gets here is to humble yourself and admit that you don’t have all the answers and don’t have it all figured out. Maybe your unexpected moment of surrender will reveal more about your character than you thought.
Are you resolution maker? Are you a goal setter? What changes for you in the new year?
Chasing Happiness
So many people hate what they do and hate going to work each day. I really don’t feel like I’m working because I love what I do. I love those who I work with and I love those who I get to serve. So many times people chase the almighty dollar and then spend their life chasing happiness. I was fortunate that God saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself and allowed me to experience a joy that is hard to explain everyday. Trust me there are days that I think what would it have been like to chase the dollar but then I remember that what I am experiencing right now is rare. The most important thing is that you chase what your passionate about everyday and live your dream.
Nothing brings me more satisfaction in ministry than to watch someone walk in lost with questions and hurt and walk out with some answers and hope. To watch someone grow in their journey with God is a privilege. To be able to teach God’s word is an honor. For me it is my passion to use my gifts of leadership, administration and teaching. The fact that God would use someone like me to make a difference in someones life and use me to influence the Kingdom is humbling.
