Just Do It

 3 but I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"

 4 The king said to me, "What is it you want?"
      Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."  -Nehemiah 1:3-5

Nehemiah had a passion.  He saw the need for the walls of Jerusalem to be rebuilt and while others griped and complained and placed blame Nehemiah did something about it.

A passion for ministry starts with seeing the need.  Some folks in Lincolnton saw a need for shelter for the homeless and instead of sitting at home telling their families that “something ought to be done!” they went out and formed Hesed House of Hope.  Several years ago someone was grieved because we had no organized prayer ministry at Holy Cross… instead of pointing fingers at the church leadership, she got a group together and S.T.A.R. ministry was formed.

What is your “something ought to be done” issue?  Maybe it is your call to ministry.  Pray about it.  When God gives you the “okay” (and he probably will) find some like-minded people and you will find a passionate, vibrant ministry to lead.  Don’t wait until you have enough people or enough funds or enough time… if God gives you a ministry he will equip you for it.  Don’t hand it over to a “leader.”  God gives all of us leadership abilities for those things for which he has given us a passion.  If you believe it “ought to be done” then like Jeremiah… just do it.

Father,
Keep us from turning our passions into gripes and criticisms of others.  Help us to understand that when we see a need and feel passionate about it, it is probably your call to us to a ministry.  Open our hearts to your guidance.  Amen.

Joys: Facebook and other apps that keep me in touch with extended family; enthusiastic greetings from Cecelia; the sound and smell of rain