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I find it somewhat interesting that when life gets busy on my calendar, opportunities seem to arise for ministry. Hurting people, questioning people, seeking people, seem to pop up into my vision. What do I do? Do I keep on with my busy agenda? Do I turn a blind eye and pretend that I don’t really see the need? Or do I put my agenda on hold, trust that God will help me accomplish what He wants accomplished, and invest in the person before me?

I’m in a busy season right now. It seems strange to say that since it is summertime and I am a teacher. I should be in my slow time. But frankly, that’s just not the case right now. This week will finish with the wedding of our youngest son. We have been working on preparations for weeks if not months now. We have family from out of state coming to spend time with us and join in the celebration. As if wedding prep and entertaining weren’t enough, I have just begun leading our church’s women’s ministry. While I am excited about this, I am also trying to exercise wisdom and work on rebuilding the ministry’s foundation. Add to the busy by preparing to be the keynote speaker for a women’s conference in Idaho scheduled for the end of the month, having to recertify for my Mandt (crisis/hold’s) training for work, and help a new principal orient to our building… I’m only scratching the surface. It’s a lot. My plate is feeling pretty full.

This is a time when I need to be extremely careful. You see, I have a deep desire to live in a way that brings glory to God. I desire to be used by Him. I want to be available for Him to use. That gets harder and harder to do when my plate is full. The temptation to follow my agenda is heightened and I am more likely to miss the opportunities that God is literally bringing to me – in the form of people.

Here’s what I know: People matter to God. Jesus’ ministry on earth was all about obedience to God and following God’s plan and purpose to save mankind from our sin – AND Jesus still made time for people. Why? Because people matter to him. And what he demonstrated was that it is possible to see people and meet their needs while still achieving God’s purpose and plan for our life.

We need to have our eyes open. We need to be ready – and willing – to put our agenda aside – to push pause on what we are doing – to meet the needs of those around us. My to-do lists when unfulfilled are a burden to me – but I can trust the Word of God. “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (Psalm 55:22) I need to give my burdens over. Lay them down, and put God’s agenda first. When I do this – He will take care of me. He will not allow my feet to slip or for me to fall.

This is powerful, friend. God can be trusted. He is our refuge and strength. He is always ready to help. “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24) When we live like Christ – when we try and emulate Him by allowing God to direct us – God will lead us by the hand through it all. That which is most important is achieved and lives are transformed.

O LORD, help us not to miss out on any opportunities for ministry that you place in our path! Give us courage to trust you and put our agenda on hold so that we may join you in yours!

Blessings!