“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
The trail of wet footprints led from my bathroom to the stairs. Many small puddles proving that my seven year old did not dry off after his shower.
This was a frequent problem in our house over the summer. All three kids suddenly preferred to use my shower but would often forget their towels (or just chose not to use a towel), and I would find a trail of wet footprints.
This particular day I stopped my son’s wet ascent up the stairs and told him to come back and clean up all the water from the hardwood floors. Bless his little heart, soaking wet himself, he put a towel on the ground and attempted to mop up the water. As you can imagine, the more he cleaned up one puddle, the more water dripped off of him to create a new wet spot. He kept spinning around mopping up water, creating new messes, and getting frustrated.
Can you relate?
These last six months have been hard on ministry. Yes, we are thankful for the technology that allows us to continue to worship, study and meet together. But I think most of us would admit… it just isn’t the same as coming together in person. It just feels difficult.
At times my efforts have been like my son mopping up those wet footprints– I am working so hard but not making any progress. But like him, I have often forgotten an important detail. For my seven year old it was forgetting to simply dry off first. For me, it is forgetting that ministry has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the power of the Holy Spirit.
When Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he was quick to point out that it was not his eloquence, wisdom or status that were important. He gives all the credit to the Holy Spirit. God’s power. In the next chapter he goes on to say, “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-6
Friends, we were never meant to do ministry of our own power. We were never meant to boot-strap our way through winning hearts to Christ. We must start each day, each effort, each lesson with prayer that God will equip us. Prayer that the Holy Spirit will work through us. Prayer that our children will come to see Jesus through and in us.
Lord, we ask that you equip us. Help us see the opportunities you have provided instead of the challenges before us. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and speak to your children through us. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your plan and your ministry. Amen.