The day after Sunday

Talia Biel is a member at Crossroads Church. She is a sincere Jesus follower with a gift for connecting her faith to real life, and for sharing that through her writing.  Check out her blog “Holding On To Faith.

index-backgroundMy Pastor on Sunday asked the congregation to raise their hand if they are part of a Ministry of some sort. A few of us did raise our hands when the question was asked. Long story made short. The goal or possible outcome, was for at the end of his message was that all of us would be able to raise our hands, based on being part of more than just a “Sunday” morning ministry. (You can check it out here once it is posted on-line to get the full idea, www.crossroadsinajax.org) Anyhow… 

I had been reflecting on this message because I have also heard God speak to me about this in more ways than one for my own personal life. I had missed church for two weeks or so because I had been in the hospital visiting my step-dad and being available to my mom for emotional support. I had been meeting with a friend for emotional support and needed a friend who would just listen, and yet meanwhile deep down all I kept thinking was, “Yikes, here I am in partnering with the children’s ministry as a leader, and yet I haven’t been at church for two weeks.”

Talk about poor leadership skills…

Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that’s where God wanted me to be at that exact given time.  

My heart became conflicted because I wanted to set a good example for the younger generation, but how can I be in two places at once? Sometimes, (believe it or not) there are actually more important things than Sunday mornings.

Sometimes we can get caught up in having to go every Sunday that we neglect the important part of our other ministries that we all are already involved in through our day to day life (which is sort of the message he spoke about).

I finally was able to come to some sort of realization that I was/am part of His ministry at the hospital. Praying, loving and caring for others. Yes, I had to miss church, but so what?

Sometimes, God calls us to be elsewhere. 

I dropped everything once I knew my family was in trouble. Imagine me saying to them, “Oh sorry, I can’t. I have church.”

What kind of message does that send out to them?

God had called me to be where I was at a time of need, and He calls you and I to do His ministry even the day after Sunday. Whether it be at work, home, or school. I need to wrap my head around this constantly and remember that while I go about my ordinary life, that I still remain His hands and feet (Sunday or not). That I know even in the mundane things, it’s all for the glory of God.

Even Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:31 – So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Side note: In my career choice that I have made, the pay is about average. It’s hard sometimes to make do when it comes to paying mortgage, bills and so on. Many people throughout my journey have told me that perhaps I should have gone to teacher’s college and so on for a higher pay because the job I have now would be too stressful and demanding and not enough money. Sure, there are days when I want to pull my hair out when you have 10 infants that are all crying at once, but this IS my ministry. My calling. It’s such a blessing to work with children, to wipe their snotty noses (well that’s an exaggeration) to being actively involved in their development and families. This is where God calls me to minister with the staff, children and parents.

This is the day after Sunday. Monday-Friday, 8 hours a day investing my time and heart into something that can be used for His glory. 

The day after Sunday is important too. So embrace the ministry you’re already doing, and pursue opportunities to minister in other ways. Remember, if you do something out of love for God and others, empowered by the grace of God, that is ministry.

P.S Sorry PN, didn’t mean to steal your entire sermon 😉

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