I had the great privilege of joining some of our pastors on a trip to Mexico yesterday. Our church has been working with a local pastor there for years and a wonderful international relationship has developed as a result. So when some of our staff caught a new vision for international ministry, our thoughts turned to our Mexican partners.
However, we were not too sure just how they would see the idea. Would it be another idea from the outside that they felt obligated to accept? Was it just one more thing they would have to squeeze into their busy schedule because they didn't want to offend us? Or would this be something that would help them better reach their community for Christ?
Have you ever had a great idea for ministry? Have you ever wondered if it is your great idea or if it is God's? It can be pretty difficult to determine the difference sometimes. We naturally want to think that its God's idea. We want to do great things for God. But wait... is this a God thing or is it really me? Will I only feel like I am serving God well if I have a large and well known ministry?
There's nothing wrong with dreaming big. But let's remember that Jesus Himself started out with very humble men and a very humble ministry. He didn't have big cathedrals to preach in. He often didn't even have a place to sleep indoors. His followers were not the mighty and important elite of His day. They were poor fisherman who worked hard each day on the open seas. Yet the impact He had in three short years continues to change the world.
I think one of the great confirmations of God's will is when we see Him out in front, bringing together people and resources before we even ask. It is the realization that God was already working, planting ideas, giving vision and then bringing people together at just the right time. And so it was yesterday as we talked to our partners in ministry. God had already been working, giving our partners a similar burden. It is so comforting to rest in the knowledge that we are only a part of the vision and that God is already preparing everything that we will need ahead of time.
Oh it might not be something that launches you onto the international stage. But it will be something that God wants to do in your church, your community, your sphere of influence. And that is good enough for me. I don't need to be known by many.... I just want to be known by One....
Doug
