From Misery to Ministry

Feb 11, 2011Find joy today, Kingdom Uncaged

“Your ministry will be where your misery has been.” T.D. Jakes.

I so appreciate what this quote means. My life has embodied that as Jesus has healed me from so much, I tend to minister to those who also have had difficult childhoods. Maybe because I understand. Maybe because I get what it’s like to walk through that particular journey of healing. Or maybe there’s no logical explanation. But I have a hunch that you may have this same scenario, where your greatest ministry flows from your greatest pain.

Which is why I adore this verse:

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1: 27-31).

So it’s not that I have anything to boast about. I can only boast about what God has done.

I was undone, but God bound me back together.

I was scared, but God helped me overcome my fears.

I was broken, but God mended me. He made me stronger in the broken places.

I was insecure, but God helped me see that I belonged.

I was fearful but God shed light on the dark, scary places.

I was needy, but God filled my needs.

I was hesitant, but God gave me boldness.

I was overlooked, but God found me, championed me, and cheerleaded my journey.

I was confused, but God brought peace.

I was small, but God enlarged my heart.

I was envious, but God showed me how blessed I really was.

God is in the beautiful habit of taking our misery, healing us truly, then giving us empathy and strength to minister to those who endure painful circumstances. For that, I am grateful.

Q4u:

Fill in the blank: I was _____________, but God ___________________.

0 Comments