Being called

Called by God

Yesterday morning, whilst on retreat, we were led to consider the origins of our calling and the words of our ordination. All of this was in the context of the things that bring us joy in ministry - the things that bring us “delight". My ordination reminds me that there are many things which are both "a duty and a delight" in my life as a minister:

- preaching by word and deed the Gospel of God’s grace
- declaring God’s forgiveness to all who are penitent
- baptising, confirming and celebrating communion
- leading God’s people in worship, prayer and service
- ministering Christ’s love and compassion
- serving others, in whom I serve the Lord himself.

Whilst thinking about all of the above I was so aware of what a joy and a privilege it is to be a minister in God’s church, to be able to serve him and his people day in and day out. Yes there are the stresses, those days I want to bash my head against a brick wall. But the joys and delights far outweigh the brick wall moments and I find myself grateful for the calling I have.

This calling is not unique though, we all have one. God has ordained each and every one of us to some form of service and ministry. For me that ordination involved the laying on of hands and ordination in to an order of ministry. For the vast majority that ordination is by the holy spirit into any number of roles and jobs in and out of the church. Teaching is ministry, administration is ministry, loving our neighbour is ministry.

Each of these ministries bring with them stresses and strains as well as joy and delight.
This morning I happened to combine the birth of Jesus and his baptism in my devotions. Considering how Jesus was born for a reason and anointed for a purpose I couldn’t escape how much this is true of each and every one of us.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
                                                  Psalm 139:13-14

"For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord
                                                   Jeremiah 29:11

Today for me is a day of celebrating the joys of my ministry - I pray the same is true for each one of us. May we be excited that God has chosen us, affirmed that he has called us and empowered by that fact that he has ordained us.