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 eleventh 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:
Patience In Sharing God’s Word

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.“
2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

How often do you share the Word of God while you serve?  Why?  What kind of results do you expect to see from sharing God’s Word?  Do the results always come when you expect them to?  How does not seeing immediate results test your patience when it comes to sharing God’s Word?  Have you ever not shared what you should have because you didn’t think it would make a difference?  Does that say more about the power of God’s Word, or about you?

The Bible talks about the process that takes place in bringing about a changed life through the Word of God.  We read that some prepare the ground, some plant the seed, some water, and some do a variety of things to help the Word of God grow in a person, but it is always the Lord who brings about the increase.  When we serve others by sharing God’s Word, we must realize that our work is just a part of the process.  Occasionally, our part is near the end of the process and we get to see a person respond immediately in accepting the Word of God, but more often we must wait patiently for God to use the seeds and water we have spoken and bring about a harvest in His time.  As you pray, ask God to give you the patience needed to continue sharing His Word as you serve.

In prayer,

Tom