strong character | considering the word

Why is it that our imperfections make us feel as though we are unqualified to minister?

Logically, we know that no one is perfect. When it comes to ourselves; however, we have this harsh standard of judgment that we hold ourselves up against. We think our imperfections are too imperfect. If people only knew… Why would anyone want to listen to us… What makes us so special or all-knowing…

Let me tell you this. Your imperfections are Exactly what make you qualified to minister. It is because you are imperfect that you know how to relate to the imperfections of others. It is because of your past trials that you understand what others are going through. It is precisely because of the pain you’ve experienced that you can speak to another’s pain.

No hurting person wants to be ministered to by someone who acts like their own life is perfect and that nothing has ever gone wrong for them. We always relate much more to people who are real and have scars, just like us .

Having gone through your trials, your pain, and your battles has made you the minister that you were meant to be. I know for a fact that God doesn’t allow things to happen in our lives without having something good come from them. If that good thing is that our faith is built, then we are better for it. If that good thing is that our character is stronger, than praise be to Him! If that good thing is that we now rely on the One who gives the strength, then we have come out as winners.

You get it? There is a verse in 2 Timothy that really speaks to me on this. Chapter 3, verse 7 says, “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Is that what we are doing? Always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth? It is time for that to stop! It is time to come to the knowledge of the truth, once and for all.

My pain and my trials have equipped me for ministry. What I have learned through them and through God’s Word have equipped me for ministry. What you have learned has done the same for you. It is time to stop doubting, to trust in God, to come to the full knowledge of the truth, and to minister as though the end is drawing near. Because brothers and sisters, I assure you the end is indeed drawing nigh.

The very fact that you have come out on this side of your battle, still looking to God as your Source, says that you have endured! Now, there are others out there in need of the same Savior, Healer, Deliverer, and Provider that you’ve been leaning upon. It is time for you to go forth and minister!

Fulfill your ministry,

jamie

Pr. 15:25: “The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.”

It’s the day after Valentines Day and love is still important. 1 Peter 4:8-9 tells us, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”

1 John 4:7 encourages us, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

We are told to have sincere, heartfelt love for one another. This is the kind of love that forgives, overlooks faults, and finds the good in others. This is the kind of love God has for us.

So often we want this kind of love from others, but struggle or refuse to show this kind of love in return. Although, we understand that we are not perfect and in need of forgiveness, and we often expect others to be perfect at all times.

We are told to be hospitable to one another without grumbling. That is something that happens when our eyes are looking outward and not inward. When we are truly able to love, forgive, understand, and pardon, hospitality comes much more easily.

Remembering that love is of God, we cannot afford to be too proud to show love. This proverb says the Lord destroys the house of the proud. Not only that, but He will establish those who are weak. In God’s eyes, the weak are more desirable than the proud.

It is not weakness to show love. It takes strong character to love someone the way we are told to love here. It takes a lot of faith in God’s plan to truly forgive the sins and mistakes of those we love. It takes humility to overlook faults and see what is good. It takes humility and trust to believe that loving others God’s way is best.

So, on this day that is not ‘technically’ about love, we can determine in our hearts to show love the right way; to carry on loving those around us with God’s love, and to continue it day after day after day, until the Lord returns.

We don’t have to do this in our own strength. We can call upon the God who is love for all the pointers we need. Talk about a support system.

So, happy day after! May the Lord who loves you, strengthen you this day as you trust Him enough to truly love His way.

My brothers and sisters, I love you all. ♥

jamie