Dressed in Full Uniform

“Soldiers who are dressed in their uniforms act like soldiers”

It’s so natural to get at the end of a ministry year, and want to flee from ministry, isn’t it? You are tired and weary and just want some refreshment. And the last thing you want to do is to commit for another year! It’s so natural. Then, comes the enemy… probably whispering in your ear… ‘just take a year off… you deserve it.’ When this happens, I hope you are sensing a red flag!

Galatians 6:9 is a wonderful passage about not quitting. Set in a discussion about sowing and reaping, and whether we serve for fleshly motivations or are driven and filled by the Spirit. It says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Underline, “If we do not give up!”

For almost 10 years, I worked alongside the Teaching Director in a local ministry chapter, helping her recruit leaders and teachers. I encountered many devoted followers of Christ, and I also shared the Lord’s grief as some ran their own way, year after year, and put tennis leagues ahead of serving God. I learned a lot about serving… like once God places you somewhere… keep serving there until He moves you out. Just like the Israelites in Numbers 9. When the Cloud would raise up from the Tent of Testimony, it was time for the Israelites to move on. If it settled there, they were to remain. Moving on is really not OUR decision. It’s the Lord’s…. if we are surrendered to Him, right? Our service is subject to our leaders, our spouses, and validated by the LORD and those we serve. But, sometimes we don’t see a lot of the fruit that has been done so we are not sure we have been ‘validated.’ That's okay. All we need to bring to that ministry is what we have.

One year at a new church I said yes to being a SGL, but as the year went on I had so little to give… my dad had just died, my mom and husband were taking turns with very serious conditions in/out of prolonged hospital care. As I came to the end of the ministry year, I asked the LORD… what use was I? His answer was: You showed up. That’s it. From that group, He raised up 3 gals who are still in various parts of leadership and service. HE did it.

Each year he grows us as he grows others. None of us is the perfect in our service to Jesus. That is how the body of Christ is built up. So, as you consider your path for the summer and next year… I encourage you to not be tempted towards the fleshly pursuits and to be wise with your plans. Set your heart to trust God to refresh you from this work... He most assuredly will... and be eager to do more good… so you can share in the harvest.

The quote about dressing like a soldier so I act like one speaks such wisdom to me. And, it challenges me to stay dressed and ready for service so I act more godly in my every day life... and it will be rewarded by our Master: “Be dressed and ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return… when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, and will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.” Luke 12:35-37.