I woke up on the last day of July and realized that not only was it the last day of the month, it was also the last day for Dale and me to serve on summer staff at The Wilds Christian Camp. For the last nine weeks, we have traveled to Brevard, NC to spend Tuesday through Thursday ministering alongside the sponsors – those who bring campers to the campsite.
It’s been an incredible summer of serving, praying, talking, encouraging, but also being strengthened and so blessed in the midst of the busy and very full days.
Many people who learn of our opportunity to serve at The Wilds have said things like, “Well, how did YOU get to do that?!” Or, “Man, you’re living the dream!” If you’ve ever been to The Wilds you understand what they’re saying, and I certainly get it, too. But I would be lying if I said it was always easy. I often felt like an exile. Does that sound strange? Here’s the reason –
Leaving my home during these summer days when my garden is growing, my yard needs attention, ministries continue at my church, my grandsons have days off of school, and my family in Kentucky are missed have made me run to the Lord for His heart to obey. I can remember one day when I was struggling with leaving home again to travel to camp when the Spirit of God whispered this truth in my heart…
Serving requires sacrifice.
When Christ served me and suffered for my sin, He sacrificed everything. He was the epitome of servanthood. He left His Father, a perfect environment, the glories of heaven His home, and much more. How can I think that I can serve Him only when it fits into my neat little package, my schedule, my choices and preferences? No, serving for the glory of God means surrendering to His plans, which always require some kind of sacrifice.
Full time ministry isn’t the only service that requires sacrifice. Serving as a wife, a mother, an employee, a church member, a faithful witness in your neighborhood for God’s glory will all require sacrifice. It will mean you laying down your will. It may require longer hours than you’d imagined, or greater love and patience than you may have thought you’d have to give.
But it’s then that God’s nature is seen because our flesh is strengthened as He carries us. It also draws us near to Him as He pursues us and beckons us to lean on Him.
On the last day of camp my Bible reading took me to Isaiah where I read…
“In all their suffering, he suffered, and the angel of his presence saved them. He redeemed them because of his love and compassion; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of the past.”
Isaiah 63:9
When Israel was in exile, they could still say that the Lord had compassion on them and carried them! Oh, what a precious truth of what my God did for me all summer! He lifted and carried me!
Don’t be afraid of sacrificing for Christ. He will be so very near you to strengthen your weakness. You can’t do it, but He can.
RefreshHer 