Written by Katy Lee. Artwork by Phoebe Shen.
As the Children’s Ministry Director of a church, it may surprise you to know that I once did not like children.
When I was in college, my friends loved helping out in the church nursery and often encouraged me to join them, but I refused. What’s the fun in wiping dirty noses and cleaning up after the kids?
So when the Sunday School Director asked me to teach second graders, I immediately said, “Thanks, but no thanks!”
“Why don’t you pray about it?” She replied.
I couldn’t refuse that, so I prayed. I had to be honest with God and said to Him, “God, do you want me to teach second graders? I really don’t want to, but if you think I should, I’ll try.”
Out of obedience to God, I found myself telling the Sunday School Director that I would do it. I began by helping out as an assistant to a wonderful lady who showed me the joy of teaching children. I continued to teach children of all ages for the next 25+ years. I never imagined I would be on church staff directing children ministry as I am doing now. And to think, I may have missed it all if I did not pray and allow God to change me!
“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.
Is there an area of ministry that you are considering? Maybe you don’t even have anything in mind and need to ask God to show you how you can serve him. Pray and talk to God about it. Don’t be discouraged. God has definitely prepared a good work for you to do, and it is something that He created you specially for! So ask Him today to make His desires your desires, and you will find delight in serving Him. Who knows what exciting things He has in store for you!
Reflection Questions
1. At what point in your natural decision making process does God’s desires come into the picture? Are His wishes your first consideration?
2. Would you be willing to pursue any ministry that the Lord asks of you? Are there any particular ones that He is asking you to consider right now?