Most of the ministry that I am involved in is more volunteer than a job requirement. My life is blessed in that I am able to minister as a “get too” and not a “got too” responsibility. I am continually reminded that ministry is not simply about what we do for God, but also about allowing God to work through us in the ordinary places and circumstances of our lives. Sometimes the greatest opportunities to serve Him are found in the moments that feel the least significant, when faithfulness looks more like simply showing up, loving people is a natural outpouring of what God has done in your life, and trusting Him with the outcome becomes surrender.
To be clear, I am not a hireling who is in ministry for the income, but a servant of the Most High who is serving others for the outcome. I am able to minister freely but even with that there is a personal cost. There are sacrifices that may never be seen or acknowledged by others, but they are known by the One whom I serve. I have learned that true and genuine service is not measured by what it costs me, but by whether I am willing to faithfully give of myself when God calls me to do so in the most inconvenient times of my life.
My first and most important ministry is in my own house and the many facets there. We have four children in our home with specific special needs. Because of that, there are multiple therapy providers that come into our lives throughout the week, where many of them know very little, if anything at all about the Lord Jesus. We as a family get to share with many of them quite often the love of the Savior whom we serve.
When it comes to church, I “get too” minister. I biblically counsel, mentor, disciple, and strengthen the brethren. The Lord has allowed me to share truth with unbelievers, encourage the half-hearted/backslidden Christians to repent, as well as help those who are struggling with life to endure to the end.
I have heard it said that the majority of Christians go to churches over 500 people, but the majority of Pastors have congregations of less than 100 people. I may be active at a large church, but I am involved in a few different small congregations. I am very thankful that in the variety of ministries I am involved in, I know most everyone by name. For me, my phone number is out there to be used, and I am available in times when most others in ministry aren’t. The challenge for me is prioritizing, trying to balance it all and also accomplish the responsibilities that support my family. My days are long and are full, but also seem to go by quickly, but not as fast as the years that I have lived.
Because of what I do and go through, I believe God often uses these things to remind me of what is most important in my life. I reflect quite often on what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
That verse continually brings me back to the understanding that my responsibility is not to figure out how to carry everything at once, but to seek God first and trust Him with what follows. When life becomes scattered, responsibilities compete for my attention, and I feel pulled in a dozen different directions, I am reminded that my heart, my priorities, and my service must continually return to Him.
My life may seem easy-going on the outside, but as I live it, it is a chaotic scattered mess that at times is overwhelming to the point of tears. Over the years, situations arise within my life that cause anxiety, stress, worry, and even depression at times about how to take care of challenging problems before me. I am thankful that God has always been faithful in giving me abundant peace and enough provision for the needs of the day.
I am sharing this in hopes to encourage others to remember that where God guides, He provides. I also want to humbly ask for prayers for endurance and future direction to fulfill the calling He has given me in this season.
I am learning that faithfulness does not always mean having everything figured out; sometimes it means taking the next step God places in front of us while trusting Him with everything that remains unfinished. Perhaps part of keeping our hearts centered on eternal blessings is recognizing that our families, our relationships, our service, and even our limitations can become places where God teaches us to depend upon Him rather than ourselves.
When I think about the responsibility and privilege of serving others, I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].
That is something I need to remember when I am tired, overwhelmed, or wondering whether what I am doing is making a difference. The labor may be difficult, the days may be long, and much of what is done may never be seen by others, but nothing done faithfully for the Lord is wasted.
For all those who inspire me, encourage me, motivate me, help keep me focused and balanced, as well as bless me in supporting me in the various ways that you do, you are truly valued and loved. I wouldn’t be able to do what I “get too” do, write what I “get too” write without your involvement in the ministry that God has entrusted to me. Thank you my friends for all that you do for my family, myself, and more importantly the kingdom, you are truly my Beloved.
In my daily walk with the Lord I am also reminded of Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. There are seasons when continuing faithfully requires more grace than strength, and I am learning to trust God for both.
Dear hearers, please know that there is a place for you in this journey with me, whether your contribution feels great or small, visible or unseen, and know that your prayers are coveted above all else. None of us are called to carry everything alone, and every act of love, prayer, encouragement, and faithfulness matters in the kingdom of God. May we continue walking together with grace for one another, trusting that God is faithful to meet us where we are and lead us toward the hope He has promised.
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My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog
Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*
To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.
