So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. II Corinthians 4:16 NRSV
Ministry is a God-calling for every believer in Jesus Christ; a God-calling that simultaneously may be exciting, scary, invigorating, frustrating, uplifting, painful and ultimately immensely rewarding. “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” I Thessalonians 2:19 NRSV Our Lord certainly knew it; the apostles all experienced it; and so do we.
Some time ago a friend who led a publishing enterprise called to tell me he was retiring and that he was going to sell the business to me! I was rather surprised and a bit threatened by the idea, because I had spent my working life in the church and knew little about the practices of a successful business. One morning I awoke early fretting about this opportunity when the words came powerfully to mind, “Take the adventure the Lord has for you!”
I knew immediately that it was a quote from The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Often when the leading characters in one of the books were about to undertake some difficult assignment they would say to each other, “Let us take the adventure Aslan has for us.” Aslan in the fictional world of Narnia represents Jesus Christ in our real world.
So I said, “Yes, Lord,” put my anxiety aside, put my trust in my Lord, and took the adventure our Lord had for me. Sure enough, there were many challenges to cope with, but there were also many moments of encouragement along the way.
Whatever is going on in your life and whatever your ministry may be, whether leading a congregation or a program, or representing our Lord in your home, neighborhood and workplace, hear these words, “take the adventure” our Lord has for you! It is Christ who lives in you and who takes with you the adventure before you.
Some questions to consider?
What are the challenges in life and ministry in front of you?
What excites you about them and what creates anxiety?
Will you acknowledge your fear, putting your trust in your Lord, and take the adventure the Lord has for you?
With Joy - E. Stanley Ott
