Learning the lesson

When we see our Lord as our teacher and councilor we are open to His teaching and correction. That is of course in a perfect world right? I have not even begun to master this and while I feel like I am having more days with purposeful listening I feel like I still have a ways to go. I have been so encouraged about the learning I have been getting it is waiting to burst from within. Between my bible study, Bob's sermons and of course the words of others I am soaking truths up like a sponge. The biggest "ah ha" I have had is that ministry can be very lonely. When we walk in God's light and path it may not always be fun and happy every moment. Funny thing is logic would tell me that "hey, I am doing what you asked so it should be a piece of cake" HA! How would we grow then? The best example I have studied is the story of Samson in Judges. Chapter 13 tells of his birth. Verse 5 spoke to me so much; Samsom was set apart before he was conceived. He was born with a purpose or "ministry" long before his birth. God created him to deliver his people. In chapters 14 and 15 he begins his "ministry" as God begins to strengthen him physically, but in 16 his life changes dramatically. Through out the previous chapters he does not talk about what he has been doing and in my opinion begins to isolate himself from others while in the grips of serving his Lord. I heard someone talk about this exact part of scripture and they posed a very good thought provoking question. In 16 Samson falls in love with a woman named Delilah and she was told to find out the secrets of Samson's strength. He told her everything and she shaved off his hair and God's strength left him. Is it possible he was so drawn to her out of loneliness? In the midst of his isolation did he sacrifice his "call" to fulfill his human desire for companionship? In the midst of my ministry to foster children, and the loneliness it can bring at times, am I willing to also sacrifice His call to me to serve these kids to put "relationships" with others priority? NO Way! This has been a huge revelation to me and a truth I am clinging to in those hard moments. There is joy is serving the Lord and that is enough! God so faithfully confirmed this lesson with a sweet women in bible study today who shared this verse..."Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes." This is my new verse to live by daily...standing still, waiting for the most awesome God to fulfill all his purposes through me, around me and in me. Hallelujah!