Not so many years ago, pastors were few and far between, especially out in the "wild west". It was not uncommon for 1 pastor to cover a very large "territory".
That meant that as he travelled his circuit, he might only visit each church in his area once every six weeks, depending on how large his territory was. He would perform weddings, funerals and preach God's Word as he passed through the little western towns.
I discovered my ministry has some similarities to the wild west "Circuit Riding Preacher".
To start with, the term "Circuit" has morphed from traveling a "circuit" to an electronic "circuit". I minister to people around the world via an electronic "circuit".
Pretty clever concept huh.
Today, I counseled and taught 7 different people via the internet.
Yes, it would be nice to have the luxury of a centrally located office with a comfy chair, a secretary, library and coffee pot. However, that is not the nature of the ministry God has called me to. To start with, an office is quite an expense, having office equipment is a heavy expense, and maintaining a secretary is very expensive for a small country church.
The purpose of sharing my "electronic circuit" ministry, it to challenge YOU to consider opportunities that God has in mind for you.
“God comforts us in all our troubles
so that we can comfort others.
When they are troubled, we will be able
to give them the same comfort
God has given us” 2 Corinthians 1:4
God allows you life experiences to grow your faith and prepare you to minister to others going through those same experiences. God NEVER wastes a hurt.
Our spiritual take-away from this lesson is:
God allows circumstances, events and people to impact your life to do 3 things:
(a) to transform you into a person like His Son Jesus, that lives to bring God the Father honor and glory.
(b) to build our faith and strengthen our relationship with Him through trials and testing.
(c) to prepare us to minister to others. God does NOT transform us for the purpose of creating a self-centered ego driven spiritual elitist. God wants you to take your life experiences and your knowledge of His Word, and through the Holy Spirit's empowerment -- impact the lives of people God leads into your path every day.
I would like to share a couple observations I have made about helping (ministering) to people's spiritual needs:
(a) its messy
(people make bad decisions -- sometimes they get caught in a cycle of bad decisions -- it can be frustrating)
(b) its time consuming
(it is NOT at YOUR convenience -- it is meeting them where they are -- in their time of need -- coming along side them and walking through the dark valley with them -- for as long as they need you)
(c) its painful
(you will be hurt -- sometimes in many ways)
(d) its disappointing
(you can't live their lives -- all you can do is offer love and guidance -- the decisions are theirs)
(e) its slow
(there is NEVER anything fast about moving someone along into greater faith and healthier decisions and a God pleasing life-style)
(f) it requires sacrifice
(the sacrifices NEVER end -- but you are laying up eternal treasures in Heaven)
Definition of LOVE:
CHOOSING to give someone what they NEED the most --
when they deserve it the LEAST --
at a GREAT personal cost to you --
without getting ANYTHING in return
