Year One: Check!

I recently hit the one year mark of my first year as a full-time girls ministry director. I met the milestone with feelings of sadness (goodness that flew by too fast) and joy (I survived!!!)

As I reflect back on my first year of full time ministry, I thought that I would share three major lessons that the Lord taught me in my first 365 days of what I pray will be my next 100 years serving in girls ministry.

1. Arm Yourself

“Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” Ephesians 6:17

Spiritual warfare has never been so tangible for me than it was in the first year serving in this role. The worry. The pressure to be enough. The fish-bowl living. I found myself so overwhelmed and distracted by things that truly did not matter. It became very clear that the enemy intended to distract me and destroy ministry.

We must daily surrender ourselves to the Lord and arm ourselves up in Him. He is our shield and protector. We are in battle every day.

2. Stay Focused

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2

I am a to-do list fanatic. I would often find myself getting caught up in what color washi tape matched my invitations and what cookies we would eat for bible study and neglect actual study and relationships.

The point of our days is Jesus. Our ministry to girls must be gospel-centered. We must be mindful to keep Christ as the center of our lives and our days—even if that means that some of the details and logistics fall to the bottom of the to-do list.

3. Trust Jesus

“Know that the Lord, He is God! It is he who made us and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3

On my own, I have nothing to offer these girls and their families that the Lord has called me to serve and love. In my own strength, I am no capable of any good thing.

But with Jesus, I am able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine.
Because I am His.
Because He will equip me to fulfill this call He has placed on my life.
Because He. Is. Worthy.

In good seasons of ministry and in dark seasons of ministry, we must trust In Jesus.

Be encouraged, sisters. So many days are long and the seasons are turbulent. The good news is that God controls the rising and setting of the sun and He is constant. He is good. And He is the one who called us here, for such a time as this.

You are prayed for and you are loved today.