Seeds of Grace
Seeds of Grace
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, (NASB)
In God's economy, our weakness reveals His strength, our shame reveals His grace, and what we understand as the trash of our lives, God sees as treasure. It is interesting that God's movements seem to pick up steam when His people are most broken. The Apostle Paul understood that our ministry and service to others is a reflection of the mercy that we have received. I do not mean that in the generic sense in which all of our talents are a manifestations of the generosity of God. What I mean, and what I believe the Apostle meant, was that God ministers most powerfully through the means of grace in which we have experienced and tasted.
As we continue to follow the Spirit of God to develop a movement that impacts and influence our glocal community, I see seeds of grace that demonstrate that God's power is made perfect in our weakness and that His light emanates through the cracks of our brokenness.
This past week, one of members who has lived with mental illness and struggled against being stigmitized and marginalized took the courageous step revealing his calling to minister to those with similar struggles. He is a very talented man who could be involved in many different types of ministry, but it is that which caused him struglle and utter dependence upon the grace and mercy of God, that God is working through. Through his brokenness, you could see the brilliant rays of light shining through: Seeds of Grace.
Last week, a member of New Hope who has struggled with numerous addictive and compulsive behaviors is demonstrating his brokenness and vulnerability by sharing his story with others struggling with the same bondage. His battle was very personal and private, but in order to bless others and offer restoration and healing, his battle and victory is now public and transparent. He is planting seeds of the Grace in which he has received.
Craig Robertson, founder of Spiritual Leadership Inc., (spiritual-leadership.org) often states that leaders of a movement are those who take the initiative to lead through vulnerability. I agree with that and celebrate that the seeds of a movement are taking root.
Take time this week to allow the light of God to shine through your brokenness!
May God bless you all,
Pastor Mike
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