Ministry Purpose

I believe that stating a purpose is such a unique and individualized process. I have always struggled in my life to find security to be able to connect with people, to be my own person in a world that often suggests conformity, and to build my spiritual faith. A song that really unleashes my spiritual journey and has helped lead me to what I define as the purpose of my life is Revelation, by Third Day. I've included the lyrics below, as they truly encapsulate a clear message of how I relay to the spirit of the Lord, and utilize his love in my life. Through whatever struggles, I know that Jesus will always guide me home.

Third Day Revelation Lyrics:
My life has led me down the
road that's so uncertain
Now I am left alone and I am broken
Trying to find my way
Trying to find the faith that's gone

This time I know that you are
holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances
On roads that never seem
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you

My life has led me down this
path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn, I'm always finding
That I am lost again
Tell me when this road will ever end

I don't know where I can turn
Tell me, when will I learn
Won't you show me where I need to go
Let me follow your lead
I know that it's the only way
that I can get back home

The calling that God has placed on my life is significant and true. Two years ago, I was in a horrible place. I was in a difficult marriage, filled with abuse, struggle, and heightened stress, that seemed to have no end. My relationship with my faith pulled me through this challenging time, and I now walk with more peace and contentment in my life. This experience led me to listen more intently to God's word, to be more patient in God's answering of my prayers, and the perseverance to ride out the storms in life that are sent my way.

After rebuilding my self-esteem and my hurts, I spent a great deal of time praying and relaying to God my struggle of feeling out of place in my work. I didn't feel as though I was in the right place, and wasn't doing what I needed to do with the rest of my life. I hadn't yet found what I wanted to be when I grew up. I loved teaching, and sharing quality interactions with individuals in academia; however was no longer achieving this goal. I was missing a large dynamic of God's love. I realized that God's calling for me was to pursue teaching younger children.

I had an amazing light bulb moment, and life seemed to fit together easily. I was on a mission, and the path that led me to achieving this goal, was laid out in front of me. My calling is to work with young children, to ensure them that they are loved, that they are cared for, not only through God's love, but by those around them. I want them to learn in an academically safe environment that is nurturing, sound, and healthy.

There seems to be never-ending scripture to support my calling. One of my favorites comes from Romans 12:11. "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." In 2002 Rick Warren said, "God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not by how many people serve you." Psalm 119:32 reads, "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free."

Working with children, hoping to guide children to the path of faith requires a great deal of responsibility. It requires much diligence, patience, love, persistence, and an open heart. Devotional time is extremely important, as we can learn through God's message not only how to endure, but how to reach out fully to others of his infinite wisdom. Personally, we must be empowered. We must trust God through our journey and be able to stand firm when we are faced with brick walls or challenges. Family relationships are essential. It is incredible when your family can walk through this journey with you and support your calling. Along with your family, having the support of your ministry is essential. Having prayers, hands of love, and smiles in support help boost our esteems and show us the truth of God's calling in our lives, and reminds us why we do what we do.

Maintaining your heart can often be difficult because we often tend to feed ourselves last. We put the needs of others before our own, and we can easily get caught up in the excitement of this, that our daily needs can often be pushed to the side. I've found that making time for devotionals, prayer, readings, and spiritual studies is important and I write this time into my daily schedule. This way, it doesn't get pushed to the back burner, or put on hold until tomorrow.

With support of others and God's guidance, our leadership skills can increase. We can learn how to delegate tasks, how to work efficiently and effectively with other people, and how to manage ourselves with others. We will learn to utilize our strengths to their fullest, and utilize others to flourish as a whole, as a ministry. Having mentors in our lives is an excellent way to continue to allow our leadership skills to flourish because you can have someone readily available to brainstorm with, and to offer advice, and constructive criticism, (which we all need). Checks and balances in life are essential. As humans we can acknowledge situations that produce a red flag in our lives, that require safeguards. The same system of checks and balances can be in place in our ministry. We want to encourage people, connect them to Christ, and do so by meeting the needs of as many individuals as possible. The most efficient way to do this is through open communication, and adaptability. If we hear of negative circumstances or situations that we hear taking place in our ministry, we need to be open to positive change, that continues to flourish and benefit the majority. This is the first step in ensuring checks and balances, and utilizing the hands of our ministry to assist in keeping it healthy, growing, and strong.

References:

The Holy Bible, New International Version. 2005. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Thank You for Serving with a Heart like Jesus. 2003. Christian Teachers Aid. Fenton, Montana.