SWHW Bible Reading Plan: November 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Jess Hatton:

In order to make Christ known, we are called to spend time with and share the gospel with people we may not always want to spend time with. 

I like to imagine ministry is rewarding. That it is clean and encouraging and always leaves me feeling restored and fulfilled. I picture a few ladies sitting around the table at a coffee shop sipping lattes and laughing and ending with a nice prayer. 

That is not reality. 

The reality of ministry is that it is often messy. In order to make a difference, you have to get in the trenches of sadness, grief, anxiety, depression, neediness, pride, and every other sin that we face as believers and unbelievers. 

And ministry does not exempt you from conflict; you cannot ignore it. All this is to say that ministry is not self-serving. It is hard and challenging and grows you as a believer. 

One of the things we as believers (or I, honestly speaking) are tempted to do is cut ourselves off from the task of caring for people who demand more attention than we are wanting to give. 

It’s too messy.

They are too needy.

It’s not comfortable.

They require way more grace than I have.

I don’t have the time. 

But God does not call us to only minister to those we like or with whom we share the same interests. He calls us to minister to all those who are lost, even those who are messy, needy, or need extra grace. 

Because, at the end of the day, we are messy, needy, and require extra grace. We minister to others not because it rewards us, but because our love shows others Christ living in us. In fact, Paul goes so far as to say that our purpose as believers is to build up our neighbor, not to please ourselves (15:1-2). He uses Christ as the ultimate example of this. As Christ welcomes us as sinners, we should also welcome the weak. Our reward is that we have been accepted by Christ, and just as Christ showed compassion and mercy on us, we are to share it with others.  

Prayerfully consider this:  Is there a specific person in your life that you have been called to lovingly give your time and energy to that you have resisted because it’s not comfortable? 

Lord, forgive us for our tendency to minister only when it is comfortable or easy for us. I ask that You would show us areas of selfishness and pride. Reveal people in our lives that You want us to minister to. Let us be willing and ready to serve You and others without reward. Thank You that You were willing to pursue us. Thank You for Your patience with us as we grow into believers ready to advance Your Kingdom.  Amen.