Several days ago, I took a long walk around our property. Way off the beaten path, I re-discovered this water pump that had been left behind and forgotten many decades ago.
It was too late to remove the pump when we purchased the land, the tree had already claimed its prize.
And so, the tree continues to grow around the pump...which will eventually kill this beautiful tree.
As I walked, I thought about the pump and how by merely being stagnant and remaining steadfast it had become useless...although many would say that it was useless to start with...a matter of perspective.
Soon (as always happens with me), my mind wandered to ministry. I started comparing the lesson that God had just presented to me with various ministries that I have been involved in.
I realized that the ministries that grew and flourished were the ministries that were always changing. Not huge changes necessarily but changes that kept them fresh and alive. Changes that kept people in anticipation of what was next.
I also realized that there is not a set pattern for ministry. There is no one-size-fits-all.
~ What works for one person may not work for another. ~One person's direction may not be another person's direction. ~What God has placed upon one person's heart...He may not have placed upon another person's heart.
Your ministry...and the direction that God leads you...is as unique as you are. God chose "YOU!"
The key is to keep moving forward. Do not become stagnant. For when we become stagnant...our ministries will eventually die...just as this beautiful, growing, thriving tree will one day die!
Realize as well that we sometimes "outgrow" our ministry. As we work and serve in our ministries, God continues to do a work in us.
He gives us new gifts, new talents, new interests and it is ok to take all those new and wonderful things that God has grown in us and plant ourselves somewhere else...as long as we continue to grow and not become stagnant.
"I don't like being stagnant. I want to continue to grow and just be better at what I do, and the only way to do that is to keep stepping outside of your comfort zone". Vanessa Hudgens
Have a beautiful, blessed day!
Praying for you always!
If you have never taken the time to venture out into nature with God...do it! And do it often!
There is always a new lesson to learn and some of your greatest ministry ideas will blossom from your time together.
Thank you for ALL that you do!
"YOU" are a blessing!
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