It was tiring. Very tiring. And I was glad it was nearly over as I could see my house just a few yards away. It took me over an hour to walk the dog this afternoon, mainly because of snow. The grounds were slippery and I was really struggling. But there was just one more thing that didn’t help, not at all. Rain boots. I know they are design to keep you dry and help with walking in the snow, but not these. These were my husband’s rain boots. I wear size 6 and he wears size 12! And I was tired.

And just in those last few tiring steps I was reminded about a simple lesson.

God has designed each one of us in a specific way. He has placed each one strategically “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14MSG), in a precise place giving us particular roles to fulfil His purpose.  In Romans 12 Paul talks about the Church being one body with many parts being the members. He talks not only about the different gifting and roles we have all been given. He also recognises the need to say: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (v.3).

 I know there have been times in my life were I looked at others, who had more experience, more involvement and more recognition in the life of the Church, with a slight jealousy in my heart. I thought that, if only I prayed more, gave more time and effort in my church, perhaps I would be that little bit more valued. And, of course, the Lord gives us times to learn important lessons. That it isn’t about being ‘valued’ because our significance lies in Him. And I’ve learned to get on with what I’ve been entrusted with, for this time now, without complaining and striving. But I know I’m far from perfect.

I will not be wearing my husband’s rain boots. They are his boots. They are his size. They fit him. They have been made to fit bigger feet than mine. And those rain boots fit his feet perfect.  Just like someone else’s ministry fits them perfect. And plus, walking in something that’s far too big for me is SO exhausting!  I’m not even going to try again.

Before you mention it, no I’m not into all the spirituality stuff .Yes, like every talk show, sometimes you wonder if it’s a bit exploitative, whether all that sharing is necessary. And maybe some are cynical about her influence in the publishing industry, or even the election. I’m sure there are a million things we could say. But I said she was a role model, not a Saviour; she didn’t need to be perfect. She just needed to be there.

In my teens I looked for role models, women of colour who were dark skinned, who were not dancers or singers or athletes. Not because there was anything wrong with those women; not at all. It was simply that just because I could dance, and sing and be sporty, it didn’t mean that was what I wanted to do with my life, and I didn’t like the idea when those roles were assumed to be my destiny. I didn’t want a stereotype. After school I watched a lot of TV, searching for a different ending. I found two particular women that stood out to me. Claire Huxtable and Oprah Winfrey – and Claire was a fictional character! So that left Oprah to inspire. I won’t sound like a devoted fan, because I barely remember any of her shows or comments. I just needed to see her that’s all; to see that she had reached beyond what was expected and assumed of her. It was good to see her there every day. The world is different today. My daughters see their skin tone in the White House and shout “Obama’s butterscotch like me!” and play on completely carefree. But then, Oprah was evidence that a way was being paved to make a different future possible.

When I am speaking and working, THE conversation I always have with young women (especially those who are leaders) is about mentoring. There are women looking, longing for role models. They don’t need us to be perfect, they need us to be present, loving the lord, living the life – wherever that might be. They need more than fictional or historical or even TV hosts, they need us.  Are we ready and available to make the time to raise up the next generation? Some of us are still waiting to be raised ourselves, and wait in hope. I wonder if it’s time to be intentional with this and start mentoring anyway…

Back to today, I stay wistful and thankful for the people whom by their life and example, bid me to push forward. Ms. Oprah Winfrey, I salute you.

When I read that verse, I feel a mixture of things – a challenge, a sense of unworthiness, guilt even.  Even if it is not my desire, the reality is I often am ashamed of the gospel.  Or at least, I am ashamed to speak up when I have an opportunity.

I remember one of my school friends once said to me: “Anna, I love the fact that you have never tried to push Christianity on me – that you respect what I believe and don’t try and change my beliefs”.  She meant it as a compliment but my heart sank.  I felt like I had failed. The truth is I can’t respect her beliefs – how can I respect something that I think is going to end her up in hell, never knowing the one who came to save her? I deeply respect and love her but I can’t respect what she believes.

Now a few years on my husband and I are missionaries in Peru and our job is to encourage people to reach others for Christ.  And we believe not only in talking – we have to model it! So we have started a Mums and tots group in a poor area of Lima.  When it began I had the intention of forming relationships with the women, getting to know them, visiting them and then perhaps, many weeks down the line, sharing the gospel with them.  But God challenged me.  Here in Peru people are very open to the gospel and don’t get offended easily by sharing it.  So why exactly was I holding off?

‘Don’t be ashamed of the gospel’, came God’s word ‘for it is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe’, followed by another verse: ‘Make the most of every opportunity’ (Col  4:5).

Ok God, I get it.

And you know what? Many women have begun a walk with Jesus as we have shared the gospel and God’s love with them every week.  I’m not saying that it is that easy in every culture (I am pretty sure it is not!), but part of me wonders if the reason I saw less people come to know Christ in my home culture had less to do with people not being open and more to do with my embarrassment of the Gospel.  The harvest is plentiful, we just need to know where to harvest and then go and do it.

Do you feel empowered or powerless when it comes to sharing the Gospel?
What opportunities is God giving you at the moment to make the most of?

Of course there is a time and season for everything under heaven.  Whether, and for whatever reason, it is a time of more passive leadership and abiding (as in the parable of the vine and branches in John 15), a time of just ‘being’ and spending more time with the Father.  Conversely, it could be a time of more active, even aggressive leadership, of working really hard (without burning ourselves out).

The key for knowing all of this is to permanently (or as often as is realistically possible) keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:2).  We need to keep on asking Him, ‘what am I to do here and how do I do it?’

It is so easy when times are good to think we know what we’re doing and to cruise on autopilot.  We can be tempted to give out of our own resources rather than the overflow of what God’s put in us.  We can easily be distracted by good/ interesting /fun things that are going on around us (which are not bad in and of themselves).

When times are more difficult, we may have so many urgent and pressing things or people competing for our attention.  How easy it is to respond to one demand after another.  It can be hard to find time to really seek the Lord.  What is the thing that He would deem as urgent and how would He want me to go about it?

This is one of those basic truths that we all know but sometimes forget to implement. I have to keep on reminding myself of what I’m aiming for.  Who am I trying to please?  Am I getting my priorities right?  I’m assuming that this will be an ongoing thing for us all to master.  Or is it just me?!

If we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses (those whom we lead and whose lives we affect, both in and out of the church), then let nothing hinder us, but let’s run with perseverance and fix our eyes on Jesus!

Ponder:

• How is your rhythm for spending time with God and working out what He wants you to do in your present situation?
• Is God calling you to a season of abiding/resting/focussing more on Him?  Or is he telling you to go?

at North Park University (Chicago, Illinois). It’s taken from his article “Women Ministering” on www. cbeinternational.org

“When we ask the question of women in ministry, the debate almost immediately gravitates to traditional “women in ministry” texts. But I’d like us to ask another question — one both more biblical and more answerable: Do women do in your church what Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Priscilla, Junia, and Phoebe did? Do they do what Mary did? Do they do what Jesus encouraged women to do?”

I think he asks us some brilliant questions!  Any thoughts?

Photo by Hilde Vanstraelen.  www.biewoef.be

No. Surely it’s just my own selfish ambition. Crying out for attention. AGAIN.

So why won’t it go away?

Why does it fill me so, compel me so feel like fire breaking out of me so I’m about to explode?

I can’t take this, but I cannot ignore You.  I don’t want to. Because somewhere in me

(And I’ll only say this as a whisper)I know it is you.

——————————————–

You did this to me. I find it remarkable almost funny, almost,

That people think I wanted this, like I was greedy for the power. Have they

Known the loneliness, the hostility?

Do they think I want a platform, to blaze a trail? No! You take it all!

Give me acceptance, give me normality, give me friendship and love and fun

Instead of this fire in my bones that burns even me.

——————————————–

This is who I am. I think. A leader I think. I have something to say

It would be so much easier if you listened to me. Why do you smile and still

Ignore my every word?

I think. Yes, I feel, but I think I can’t live in the box you’ve got for me.

Fire needs a torch not a lampshade. I think I might be confident enough

To not need your approval to be who I am called to be.

——————————————–

There are days I wish, I long for guidelines on how to do this.

Instead it’s a labyrinth, in the dark. Its hard and Its tiring.

Am I getting anywhere?

Marriage, children – girls! In it all you kept returning as did the fire.

Occasionally I find a friend in the labyrinth and its healing, because she understands.

So I don’t fight you anymore (much) because I know you are for me, and together we’ll find a way.

——————————————–

“No one’s ever said to me that I could be a strong woman”

“It makes such a difference to see a woman up there.” Spoken with smiles and tears.

Is that fire in their eyes?

Is it hope that I might feel what they feel, fear what they fear, and have something to share?

I hold out a tissue and they wipe their eyes. They’re wondering why my hand remains outstretched.

“Come” I say “I don’t know it all, but here’s what I’ve learned so far…”

By Mo.

For me, some of the characteristics that I admire are people who have passion, integrity, authenticity, a godly character, a real (and dynamic) relationship with Jesus, a life which is marked by self-sacrifice.  A man or woman who has vision, who is out there leading the way and setting the example, someone who is able to communicate that vision and has enough patience not to get frustrated when things don’t quite go according to plan or not everyone immediately jumps on board!  To get all these things in one person would be a miracle – who’s perfect, hey?!  But these are all great qualities and something most of us aim for.

Whether we are the leader of a large church or a small group facilitator, sharing from the well of what the Lord is speaking to us about – and doing currently in our life – is genuine and has great sincerity.  It also shows those around us that we are all on a journey, that God continually has a fresh word for each one of us.  Modelling a healthy response to that word and then sharing what happens (both good and bad) as a result of stepping out in obedience can be hugely powerful.  Leaders need to have testimony of what God is currently doing in their lives.

One of the women in our church recently shared how God had been talking to her about getting out more into the community.  Unsure about what to do, she and her husband simply invited about 30 from her missional community to meet in a local park and see what God would do!  They noticed a woman with young children wandering around, obviously looking for something, with her kids becoming increasingly agitated.  It turned out she had lost her car keys, so the group all searched the park for them, doing so until sundown.  When they couldn’t find the keys they decided to pool money from their purses to pay for a locksmith to open the car and get it started for her.  This level of servanthood and generosity made a massive impact and tremendous God conversations followed with the woman and her family.

Stories of how God is working in other people’s lives prompts me to step out of my comfort zone, to pray more and to have greater faith for how God can work through me too.  Hopefully I will then see more fruit!  This then becomes a process that we encourage in those we lead.

God is our loving heavenly Father who loves to talk to and interact with us.  He is always speaking to us, revealing more of Himself to us.  Sometimes He is saying a lot, sometimes it is one word or just a gut feeling.  While the truths in the bible are unchanging and eternal, God breathes freshness over His word through His Holy Spirit.

• What is God saying to you at the moment?
• How does that affect your leadership and those you lead?
• How can you encourage those you lead to hear from the Lord and to act on what they hear?

One of the things that God has got my attention with recently is the word compassion. Mark Stibbe in his book ‘The Father You’ve Been Waiting For’ (HIGHLY recommended), describes compassion in this way: “Compassion, in short, is about participation, not detachment.  It is about actions more than words.” The word ‘participation’ really stood out to me.  For so long I’ve held back from people and not asked them ‘personal’ questions about their life because I didn’t want to seem intrusive or just plain nosey, and then begun to feel quite detached from people.  I’m finally understanding that love, and friendship, is about engaging with and participating in, someone else’s life. We were not created to live life in little self-contained bubbles on our own, but rather to have connections and meaningful interactions with other people.   I am teaching myself to think in a different way now….instead of seeming to be disinterested in someone’s life I am trying to ask myself ‘how can I participate in this person’s life today ? Not as someone who can solve all their problems, but as someone who wants to stand alongside them, laugh or cry with them – and let them do the same for me.

Lots of people I know seem to already be very good at this, but maybe you’re like me and find it doesn’t come quite so naturally.  Jesus, through living on the earth showed us the ultimate example of participating in people’s lives, and he is described as “the friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).  I want to learn how to do this better!  What about you?

We have also known extreme lows. Having to deal with the huge moral failure amongst other leaders when we were on staff at a large church is one such example. My husband was propelled into the senior position and by the grace of God the church didn’t collapse around us.  When the whole situation exploded, our summer vacation was cancelled and church members, in their hurt, were blaming us for something which was completely out of our hands.

Unfortunately, we have known pain at other times too.  Sometimes it’s been loneliness or isolation, sometimes powerlessness or being habitually ignored.

In each of these situations we’ve know that this is where God would have us be!  Many times we have asked “Why?” and wondered what on earth God could be doing.

Of course, God knows exactly what’s going on even if the situation and reasons for why God is allowing something to happen differ every time.  However, one of the things that God will be wanting is for us to trust Him and to be TOTALLY dependent on Him.

So, when you’re crying yourself to sleep again and asking “Why?” for the hundredth time, we need to make sure that one of the first things we do is to pour out our hearts to Him.  The psalms can be a really helpful guide.  They express lots of raw emotion but come back to God’s infinite love for us.

Worship songs can be healing and releasing.  They show that it’s not just about us but about God and His big plan.  Learning to praise regardless of our circumstances is powerful spiritual warfare, as is praying in tongues.

Prayer and fellowship with other Christians around us, plus just having lots of fun and remembering to laugh are SO important!  We must focus on the positive and what we do have.  Let’s make the most of the good things that we CAN do in the current circumstances which may not be possible when the situation changes.

We need to trust God despite the pain, disappointment or frustration.  We need to have hope that even if God is teaching us something through this, His will isn’t to keep us trapped here.  There WILL be something better to come!

When we welcomed two girls into our home for six months of discipleship, I suddenly felt completely overwhelmed. Everyone needed my care. I had time allotted for dates, for rest, for retreat – and I was not willing to cut these out, or sacrifice the care I gave to our kids.

Lord, help me! What can I do? Where can I get more time, more strength so I don’t become bitter, tired and irritable? Previously my response would have been, ‘No, I’m not doing that’.  But this wasn’t a moment to give something up.  Instead, I felt God was asking me to allow Him to increase my capacity.

About a year ago, I was given a word about juggling fruit. I felt it meant that God would be giving me lots of activities and He wanted me to be fruitful in all of them.

When you learn to juggle you start with one object, moving it between your hands and then gradually you add more.  You will drop things along the way, but with practice you learn how to keep them in the air. God has gradually been giving me more things to juggle and, as promised, they have begun to bear fruit. Now I feel God is saying that he is throwing in another piece.

He challenged me about where my strength was coming from.  With two little ones I am constantly tired, but the real reason for me being irritable was interrupted or postponed time with God.  To increase my capacity, my strength has to come from Him.

For the past two weeks I have sleepily arisen to try and get my quiet time.  It hasn’t always happened. Sometimes I just can’t get up or my children wake up extra early, but I am now craving my time with the Lord more and more.  Seeing things from God’s perspective means they do not appear so overwhelming.

We have people coming round at four o’clock and I’m ready for bed, but God shows me how important the time is going to be. I am suddenly energised to listen intently and give myself to them.

“Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift!” Ecclesiastes 5:18 (The Message)

In what area of your life does God want to give you extra capacity?