The Waterfall of Ministry

Continuing in our review and series of A Woman After God’s Own Heart

Every hard thing you’re going through or have been through, God, in His infinite wisdom and providence wants to take and make it useful in your life, and in the lives of others. He does that by giving us opportunities to apply and sometimes also share what we’ve learned. It’s some kind of ministry, though it may not be given in a “ministry setting.” It often happens life on life as God brings people to us with whom we can pour ourselves with compassion, grace and mercy. We suddenly realize that the Lord has a ministry for us and we are awestruck at the opportunity to serve him.

In her book, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, Elizabeth George shares how the water spill’s out into God’s ocean of ministry. It’s like a waterfall cascading down from our life onto others

Just how can we serve others in a way that will impact their lives for eternity?

1.  Reach Out. Jesus was always looking for people to whom he could administer. We are to give in the same way that he did, expecting nothing in return. Here are few ways that we can do that…
   1.  Be there with your presence and your touch.
      I don’t think we really understand the importance that our presence in someone else’s life can have. We don’t often even have to say anything. Just being there and letting someone know that we care by putting our hand on their shoulder or their arm can bring greater comfort than even words.
   2.  Be a giver. Give the smile, the greeting, the heartfelt question of, “How are things going right now? How can I serve you?”
   3.  Be bold. If you find yourself avoiding someone, pray and ask the Lord why you are hesitant to be with them. Find out what’s going on in your own heart and hindering your ministry. Then if you need to approach the person, do so out of obedience and with a humble heart.
   4.  Be a generous soul. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Give liberally, cheerfully, bountifully, hilariously, above and beyond. Proverbs 11:25 says that the generous soul will be made rich. The wealth is the blessing that comes from being generous.
      Most of us have too much stuff.  Even thinking bout someone else who would enjoy what we have is a way to be generous.  Who might need a meal?  Time out for a date while you watch their children?  Help with a move, or yard work, or errands? Be generous.
   5.  Determine to withhold nothing. Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is do when it is in the power of your hand to do so. What do you have in your hand? Praise, encouragement, thankfulness, a note, good deeds. It’s amazing how far someone can go with a little encouragement!
2.  Learn to look out.
   1.  Develop a bountiful eye. Look for wounded sheep. They are everywhere! Be caring. Don’t wait for someone else to reach out to them. If you see someone that is hurting, go and minister to them.
   2.  Be direct. /whenever you see someone that has a need, see what she needs and do what you can do to meet it.
3.  Go to give. Jim Elliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt any situation you believe to be the will of God.“
   1.  Be all there. When you go to an event or to church or a gathering, let your mind stay there and don’t be thinking of other things that are happening later in the day. Be present in the moment.
   2.  Live to the hilt. Live each moment fully. Anne Ortlund says we should be hanger around-ers. As long as you’re there, as long as you’ve given time to be at an event, give totally. Reach out to as many people as you can minister to as many people as you can in as many ways as you can.
   3.  Divide and conquer. Agree with your  friends that you will not sit together or stand around and chat in small groups together.  you can get together later. While you are at church or the activity, divide up and go find some other sheep!

Are you feeling the mist from the waterfalls on your face as God is using you? You probably aren’t even aware of all that your life that is splashing over onto others. I’m not sure there’s any greater joy than to be used by Him, all for His glory!