Just Being Available

I don't picture Jesus getting up in the morning, and having a plan he was going to work throughout the day. I don't think that he had a to-do list that he slavishly had to follow. Rather, his only plan, his "to do list" was to do his Father's will.

Sometimes we make ministering to people more difficult than it needs to be. We dream, draw up plans, enlist volunteers, and then, after planning the work we work the plan. So very Protestant work ethic, isn't it.

Nothing wrong with the above, but I think ministry happens by being available, being present with people, listening, speaking a timely word. I spend a lot of time (but not a lot of money) at a Dunkin' Donuts, studying, reading, journaling. By being there consistently, people have come to know me, what I do, and who I represent. Relationships and trust are being built; conversations are natural, and I feel free to genuinely ask how people are. Doors for ministry can be and have been opened, and it's a privilege to be used by God.

Jesus too was available. Read the gospels and see how much of his ministry just "happened." You be available too. Don't force things. Just be who God created you to be, and be fully present, aware, prayerful, and courageous.