Archives for April 2014

Credit to goes to RestMinistries.com– Bless YOU!!!!! 

Do I have any “Wounded Healers” in the room?

You’ve been there– you would have never signed up to have gone there, but it happened and it’s now a part of your life song. You would never, ever choose to go back to that awful time, but because it happened….you know how to better minister to others. 

Whether it was divorce, abuse, neglect, abandonment, drug use, failed relationships, depression, an accident or illness….you have felt pain beyond your coping ability.

It might have been your choosing, or you could have suffered pain from someone else’s choosing. That’s beside the point. You suffered. Big time. 

There was probably a point in time you just couldn’t see through the pain, the struggle, or the trauma -it seemed as though it would never end. You got to the point where you lifted your hands and said, “God, you’ve got a problem here because I cannot ….I mean cannot…cope any longer- take this mess and give me the strength to live day by day.” 

Oh, sweet friends…..you too? 

Having “been there”, when we see someone who is currently there, let it burden us to move. 

Almost 44,000 people viewed this image that was placed on my FB wall yesterday… I was so taken back by the response, I had to address it. There is so much beauty in this message…and so much scripture that backs it. 

Ministry is…

1. Listening when you’d rather fix the problem.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” ~James 1:19 

They’ll remember your grace.

2.  Searching for the joy when it’s easier to say “It’s not fair.” 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~James 1:2-4

There is always something left when everything seems to be taken…

3. Helping when you feel like the one who needs help.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” ~Isaiah 49:20

Sometimes helping others gets our minds off of ourselves. It’s a blessing to serve.

4. Telling God “use me” when you’d rather be rescued. 

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” ~Phillipians 1:6

If you’re sucking air, God isn’t done with you yet.

5. Encouraging, even when you don’t understand God’s reasoning. 

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” ~John 14:13 

Lord, let your will be done, but please give them the strength to get through this. They can do this with You.

6. Hugging when it feels awkward.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15 

Sometimes we need human touch, it releases emotions helping us to not feel so alone. 

7. Saying “let’s pray right now”, instead of “I’ll pray for you”. 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Phil 4:6-7

The best thing you can do for someone is pray for them. Then, ask how God can use you to help.

8. Serving, when you doubt you have anything left to give.  

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ~Matthew 11:28-30 

If it’s God’s will…He will give you the strength, and the rest.

9. Comforting by being the flicker of light in other’s dark taverns.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”~Matthew 5:14 

His love stands out in us…

 
Can you think of more, my friends? What is ministry to you? 

Photo Credit

Yes, Lord. I will write this. 

Many of you know the story of the woman at the well. Is it one of your favorite stories in the bible too?

She went there at a time other women weren’t there because she was embarrassed about the choices she had made and what they thought of her. The other women went at the same time, chatting away, joyfully drawing water together. But, she was alone.

Does it amaze you as much as it amazes me that Jesus chose to meet her, instead of the crowd?

My aunt was telling me of a radio broadcast she had heard this week. The woman on the radio said she was praying about all the things she wish hadn’t happened to her. Some things she caused, many she didn’t. As she sat there praying, she felt the Holy Spirit press upon her thoughts. While she was rambling on, “If only I didn’t do this, that and the other. Or, if this didn’t happen to me….then…then…”

“I would be perfect”.

Ugh. 

So often I picture myself at that well. We all have so many things we would change and we all have so much responsibility. The outside world can be harsh and our inner dialogue can be even more difficult to combat. 

But, I have a question for you. Have you ever felt like the woman in the well? Have you ever felt stuck in a trap,  all alone, uncomfortable, wondering if you will ever get out? Wondering if anyone even sees you?

I sure have. I know it’s hard to believe that I would say that. But, ladies- I wouldn’t have the compassion I have today if I “hadn’t been there”. Please, know that. 

Often times during my life, I’ve pictured myself at the bottom of that dried-up well, looking up, seeing faces peer down at me. Sometimes they are familiar faces of family, friends and even acquaintances… they send down food and well wishes and they make me feel not so alone. When they give in the name of the Lord, I’m reminded of how faithful he is and how he hasn’t forgotten me. Other times I look up and see people peering down, they have a concerned look on their face and yell, “Let me know if you need anything!” and they walk away. Then, there are times when I see a face that overwhelms me with joy because I know…just know, they will help get me out of here! They peer down, shake their heads and walk away. 

Have you been there too?

I don’t know if it’s the desperate situation, or the reaction of the people that hurts worse when I think of this scenario….

There is so much to say about this and so little time. I’m sitting here, at my dining room table with loads of “Cognitive Behavioral Technique” books I need to study….but I wanted to come to  you with my whole heart and say…..

The many times I have spoken of meal ministry and ministry in general, I’m not meaning to minister to you…..I’m using you…..to minister to the woman in the well.

Remember, where ever you are in life ” Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” Pslam 84:10

I’d rather be in a well with Jesus than anywhere without Him….

Love beyond measure, Janelle