I’ve spent most of the last 7 years working with men who are homeless, many of whom are struggling with addiction. I’ve been an intern, a grant writer, a case manager and counselor, and I currently serve as the Director of Ministry Programs.
Working in this capacity has given me the opportunity to minister to men in really difficult life situations. I’ve heard terrible stories of suffering and sin. I’ve had a first hand view of the horribly destructive nature of sin. I’ve talked with people whose bodies are withering away because of their own sin or the sin of others. I’ve seen the physical and emotional scars that they bear. I’ve known men who have died because of their sin, and others who should dead. All sin leads to death, and it is never more obvious to me than when I speak to someone who has been on the streets for extended periods of time.
Truthfully, this type of ministry can be overwhelming. All Christian ministry can be.
There are two photos hanging in my office just above my desk. Both pictures are black and white, framed with a white matte and a black frame. Each picture has a high level of detail, and they depict opposite images. The left photo is of dried grass. There isn’t much of it and it seems to be resting on dry ground below. While there isn’t much, there are weeds with small leaves tangled into the withered mess. The image on the right shows several tall, strong trees, full of leaves and life. The sun is shining through from behind the trees, but still providing enough light to leave an impressive amount of detail for the trees in the foreground of the photograph.
In the middle of the photos, printed on simple copy paper, is Jeremiah 17:5-8:
Thus says the LORD:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the LORD.
He is like a shrub in the desert,
and shall not see any good come.
He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
My friend Jason set up this display when he and I worked together. When he moved onto his next ministry opportunity, he left the photos hanging in the office that I inherited. I’ve looked at the photos and read the verses nearly every day since. I’ve never really had a prolonged conversation about the images with my friend but I’m pretty sure he left them as a reminder for me. Either that or he was just tired of carrying stuff out of his office when he left.
Anyway, there is no amount of effort that I can put into this ministry and expect it to succeed on my own strength. Any ministry that doesn’t rely and trust in the Lord is sure to wither. I take it as a personal reminder as well. Any person who doesn’t trust in the Lord will wither.
Yet the opposite is true for those who do put their trust in the Lord. He is in control of everything. He is good and kind, even in the middle of whatever suffering, sickness, pain, or heartache you might be experiencing. Trust him.
I mentioned above that all Christian ministry can be overwhelming. It is when you try to take the opportunity to share in the work of God and make it your own. In your life and in your ministry to others (your children, family, neighbors, congregants, your spouse), trust that by the Lord’s strength, he is carrying out all that he intends to accomplish. All christian ministry is God’s and he invites us to participate in it. Not the other way around.
Do you feel like you’re withering? Take a breath. Maybe it’s hard to see it clearly. Maybe it’s a good time to talk to a counselor. Any of the counselors at Anchored Hope, including me, would be eager to talk with you. Just hit the button below.