It is my prayer that every Christian recognizes the importance of serving God through the way we serve others.  There are few things, if any, that are as emotionally exhilarating, and draining, as the task of serving others.  Having worked in a variety of ministry settings, including various roles within Christian camp ministry, I understand the excitement that often comes with the beginning of a new ministry or ministry season.  I also understand the weariness than can develop when our focus begins to drift away from the ministry of serving and onto ourselves.

This is day five in the fourth week of devotions from the book, “Serving God: Devotions for Active Worship”.  This devotional book is laid out in thirteen weeks of daily devotions with each week wrapped around an aspect of how we can serve others.  Each of these devotions are designed to help a person spend time with God to see how serving others is an act of worship.

Serving God:
Courage From Others

“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.“
Ezra 10:4 (NIV)

When your particular area of service does not allow for others to be serving directly with you, how can you overcome feelings of isolation?  How can you encourage those that serve in areas where they work alone?  How important is communication among a group or staff that serve with the same overall purpose but with different responsibilities?  How does knowing that someone in a different “department” believes in what you are doing give you greater courage to serve well?

When our area of responsibility seems different from all others, it is easy for feelings of isolation to set in and cause us to question the value of our serving.  Even when we work alone, knowing that we have the full support of others should give us the courage to serve while keeping the greater perspective in mind.  While we each may have a different gifting and task to do, supporting each other with the greater purpose in mind helps everyone to serve with courage.

As you pray, ask God to help you find ways to support and encourage those who do a task that is different than yours.  Pray that your task would always be seen in light of the greater purpose.

In prayer,

Tom