Recently I was speaking to a group of ladies whose hearts were filled with a desire to serve the Lord. The question was, “How do we move from fellowship to ministry?” That is, how do we move from inside our “safe” circle, where we have each other’s back, to serve God  in this ever-increasing difficult  world?”

My response: “Ask God to break your heart for something that is also breaking His heart.” 

For me, it was finding a way to work with young girls caught up in drug, alcohol, sex abuse and even some who are trafficked. This definitely breaks God’s heart and it breaks mine too.

Once your heart is broken take the following steps:

• Pray for guidance as to the when, where and how to serve. Research the places where God is already at work.
• Plug in. Offer your life-skills and expertise to those in charge. Volunteers are always welcome. 
• Move! Breathe! Take small steps at first! Yes, it is scary to try something new.
• Believe, know, and trust that God is with you and He will equip you in your work for Him. 
• As you serve, your passion and your purpose will continue to grow. You will find yourself saying: This is my heart, my passion, my joy and my delight.
  

And last, but not least, remember this: Your work does not need to be something big, or grand, or overwhelming. It can be as simple as a smile, a hug or a warm cup of coffee to someone in need. You are offering others a glimpse of hope.

Anything done for God will be blessed and your ministry will grow in His timing. Just keep at it. Persistence not only makes a difference in your life, it makes a difference in other’s lives too!

“The king will answer them, “I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant it seemed, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40 GW)