God called me to Stonecroft nine years and nine months ago. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. I had been praying the previous year, so when this door opened, I was ready. Indeed, I was becoming prepared throughout that last year.
Ministry calling comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some resist, then give in. Others clearly know the moment they receive the invitation. Still, others enter full-time ministry after years of waiting for the right spot. Through it all, God’s faithfulness is the common theme.
He is faithful who calls you, first and foremost, into a relationship with Jesus Christ. That is our primary calling. And, our Lord desires to mature us in our personal relationship with Him.
Maturity and growth should be the outcome of a life spent in close connection to the God of the Universe. That means He teaches us to rely on Him, remain in Him, repent (daily!), and rest in His rescue. It means we rejoice in the knowledge that we are saved, and we celebrate even in the midst of great suffering “… even though [we] must endure many trials for a little while” (1 Peter 1:6, NLT). It’s all for our faith.
But what do you do when your assignment seems to be coming to an end? How do you process the tension between your original calling and your sense that God is now moving you? (I’m not planning to go anywhere, just in case you were getting concerned!)
I hear from various leaders who know God called them to serve through Stonecroft but have not yet determined how to transition as they mature. May I offer a few questions to consider as you pray about your volunteer role?
- Do I have the momentum and drive to see more women come to Christ? And does my drive show by the number of women I’ve personally and recently engaged in Stonecroft?
- Do I have the energy and desire to contact those in relationship with me to encourage and train them?
- Do I find myself busy with other things, travel, the health care of a family member or myself?
- Have I resisted praying about my volunteer role because I’m afraid of losing something – friendships? Responsibility? Identity?
Our calling is made complete in obedience to the One who calls us. If you currently serve as a Stonecroft volunteer, thank you! If you serve from a heart to see more women come to Christ, thank you! If you are serving out of a strong sense of obligation or commitment, yet don’t truly have the time or energy to serve with your whole heart, we thank you as well!
Each of us should take time and ask the Lord to rejuvenate the call within us or release us from this call. May I encourage you to bring any lack of time or lack of energy to the Lord in prayer? Tell God that you want Him to receive the glory and so you want to do His will. Thank God for what He has done in your life thus far, and tell Him you trust Him to continue to work in and through you.
God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
– I Cor. 1:9 (NIV)
Cheryl Lee Davis
Vice President of Women’s Connection/Ministry Support
Women’s Connection