“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NLT
I have been thinking a lot about the “ministry of presence.” My husband is a chaplain, and the term is used frequently in chaplaincy circles. I’m a researcher, so curiosity leads me to look it up with my good friends: Search engines and books. I tried to find the origin of the term but came up empty. Still, many search results had the term in the title. Even scanning those titles and articles helped me crystallize my thoughts. So, here are some conclusions.
My presence is ministry when it is an expression of Christ’s love. American society is all about problem-solving and productivity. But the only problem Jesus came to solve was the problem of sin that separates us from relationship with God. He did not come to solve my relational or financial problems although He might. Jesus’ most productive act was His death. His death was an expression of love that opened the door to relationship and brought life.
My presence is ministry when I lay down my needs, wants, and desires as a bridge for others to get closer to God. Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrates what love looks like. He became our bridge to God. You and I are called to do the same for others.
Presence shares the burden and doesn’t try to fix the problem.
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Many of us who follow Christ often struggle with knowing what God is asking of us. At least, I do. Maybe I am alone here, but I think not.
Often, the question is, “God, what are you saying to me?” What I’ve found is that I keep asking the question even when I feel like I have a sense of what God may have spoken. I have an inkling of what God is asking of me. I can see the next step. But I hesitate to take it because I can’t see where that step will lead. I can’t see a clear outcome, so I hesitate. Anyone else?
What I see in the life of Abraham is that he took the step of obedience even when the outcome wasn’t clear. He demonstrated faith and trust in God by acting. He went without knowing because he knew that God said go and had promised to bless him. No detailed action plan with stated outcomes. Just, “Go. And I will bless you.” So, Abraham went.
The thing about Abraham is that he didn’t do that just once.
He left Ur.
He divided the land with Lot,
He went up the mountain prepared to sacrifice Isaac.
He didn’t always do it perfectly. (Ask Sarah or Hagar.) But overall, Abraham demonstrated a life of obedience before clarity. A simple principle. Simple, but not easy.
It seems like Abraham lived a life that had a simple theme: Obey first. Understand after.
I don’t know about you, but I like to understand before I act!