It happened every Sunday.
Yep. Every single Sunday I’d walk through those church doors and immediately begin to feel this sense of guilt take over. I’d listened to a close friend describe her missionary work, only to feel embarrassed for not doing the same. I’d hear of a couple’s plans to adopt a child, and wondered why my heart wasn’t there as well. I’d watch volunteer after volunteer become the hands and feet of Jesus right in front of my very eyes…and then I’d struggle with my own calling, purpose, and place. I just couldn’t help but grow restless from my inactivity within my church family.
I felt useless.
Moms, how many of you have felt like this? How many of you have found yourselves in the middle of your Sunday service feeling slightly inadequate, unsure of your place in the Body, and a little panic-stricken as to what’s supposed to take place next?
when everyone seems to be serving…but you
It’s easy to compare, isn’t it? It’s so simple to look at other parishioners, friends, and members within the church and think; All of these people are serving. All of these Christians are doing their part…all of them except for me.
Believe me when I tell you that you’re not alone in your feelings, your thoughts, or your guilt.
I’ve been there too! In fact, at times I still struggle to compare my calling with that of another. But you know what I’ve realized, friends? God’s got you in the exact spot He wants you to be right now. There’s no denying that He’s got a plan for you, and those gifts He ‘s provided you with. Those blessings He’s bestowed will be used when He’s ready and in His own timing.
Don’t think for a moment that He doesn’t have a calling for you, a place, a path. Even when He’s quiet, and in those times where everything seems awkwardly still, He’s moving…He’s always moving.
So be patient, mamas–pray often, and wait for His cue. Encourage your friends in their own ministries and know that your path, while different from others, is just that: unique, different, God-given…and all yours.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. –Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Question: Have you ever felt like you’re not doing enough in the body of Christ?
Tuimaini International Ministries
You see them on the television, you hear about their stories, and you’re well aware of their plight, but do most of us realize what the country of Africa is up against as far as battling the AIDS epidemic? Are all of us truly familiar with the devastation and loss this has caused to so many of its youngest citizens? Tumaini International is a Christian-based, Grassroots organization that specifically services (as in provides schooling, biblical education, medical services, and overall aid) to orphans who have had one or both parents pass away from AIDS. Many of these children are HIV+ themselves and in desperate need of medicine, education, and hope.
Friends, there is so much pain in this country, so much loss. But there is something that can be done. My family and I recently adopted this beautiful ten year-old boy named Munywah.
Both of his parents have passed and he currently lives with his grandmother. Because of God’s provision and our family’s decision, this sweet boy can now attend school, a privilege afforded to so very few. It gives me great honor to do so, and it fills my heart with joy to know that we can put a smile on the face of a young man who has been through so much.
Moms, before you ever step foot in church, you have a full time ministry at home to your husband, kids, friends and family… It is okay to focus on those ministries for a season! They are very important!!!!
Yes! You are so right. Excellent point!!!
So agree Stina! We so often forget that motherhood is ministry, it is a calling…a holy calling to raise disciples for Christ.
Yes! I had people trying to guilt me into being more involved at the church. There’s a season for that. My season right now is to focus on my two munchins. That and blogging and encouraging other women. I don’t have time for anything else and when I try to do other stuff my boys get the short end of the stick,
Amen! God wants us to be selfless but that doesn’t mean He wants us to begrudgingly serve when we have five million things on our plate either. WE need to find the balance, reduce our distractions, serve when we can, and ditch that guilt!
oh wow, does this ever hit close to home. i have struggled with this for so long, & the struggle has only gotten more intense as i’ve been dealing with an invisible, chronic illness. so we’re talkin’ — years & years of wrestling with this one right here . . .
for me, it’s not even that i don’t sense His calling or nudges. i think that’s the hardest part. i’m bursting at the seams with desires for plugging in and serving Him. it’s just not what He has for me right now. and that’s been very painful. at the same time, it’s been very refining. my understanding of who i am in Christ and the grace-filled reality that my value rests entirely in Who He is, not in anything i do or don’t do, has settled down in my soul so much deeper than ever before.
so if this is what He desires for Him to somehow be glorified through me, i will trust Him. (yes, i’ll still struggle & wrestle & all that. but i WILL trust Him!)
thank you SO much, for this piece, jenny. it was salve for my soul tonight.
blessings,
tanya
I am so glad and I couldn’t agree with you more. I love your understanding of Him and His love for you as well, realizing that its not solely based on the works we do, but rather, just because we’re us! Bless you, friend!