Ministry of Presence

I have not been sleeping much. In fact, my pattern has either been unable to go to sleep until the wee hours of the morning, or going to bed late and getting up before the sun opens its eyes. I've always said that sleep gets in the way of life, but I must admit that once I am asleep ~ I enjoy it!

As I have laid in my bed, with it very quiet and dark, I have let my mind drift to the church and its leader: Jesus. I have spent much time simply praying for the church that I lead and the people that it consists of. I have spent time praying and seeking God's instruction in my own life so that I can be effective in living out the calling on my own life. I will admit, that though it is frustrating to lay down to go to sleep only to count every piece of popcorn on the ceiling, I have enjoyed my moments with Jesus. His presence has been engaging, reassuring, and comforting.

What about those that do not know who Jesus is? What about those that have no affiliation or faith in the One that I was just speaking about? How do they ever get to know what it's like to lay awake at night and know that the Universe is not on auto-pilot? How do they get to know that during their troublesome times that there is one that loves them like no other ever could or would?

I was just told about a family that is working through an intense moment. The son ~ late twenties. The mom ~ a few years older. The girlfriend, the sister and the best friend, each one struggling to understand the events that have happened over the last two days, stressed while trying to interpret what each doctor is trying to communicate and worried about what the future will bring. Did they speak of prayer? Yes. Do they believe in a higher being? They said so. Do they have peace in the storm? Let's put it this way: mom asked me to pray that her son would have a second chance.

What does this have to do with me? What does this have to do with you? Simply this: we are the ambassadors of Jesus to those around us. That means when they cannot see the physical Jesus around them, we become the physical Jesus to them. Our words are to bring peace in the middle of suffering. Our actions are to bring hope when hope wants to walk out the door. That is what Jesus has done for us, and he wants to do for everyone. Give strength when weakness has taken over, provide peace when understanding is withheld, and bring hope when the future appears fleeting.

So today, find someone that is struggling in the moment ~ they are everywhere. In a world where vision is fuzzy and reality is uncertain, let someone experience the presence of Jesus. Engage them where they are at, reassure them Jesus is with them and allow them to experience the comfort that only Jesus gives. Let Him give through you!