In my younger years, my friends and I would rent a canoe and paddle down the Delaware River. It was lots of fun especially when you hit the rapids. You had to successfully navigate around the rocks by steering the canoe from the back. In between the rapids you could rest up and let the current take you peacefully downriver. In contrast, if you ever had to paddle against the current and tried to get up river, you know how exhausting that can be. It’s a lot of work, not much fun and you don’t get very far. I prefer going with the current.
I grew up in church and have been involved in church and ministry my whole life. It’s only been recently, however, that I feel like I am finally heading downstream, enjoying the current and allowing the Holy Spirit to help navigate me through the rocky places. Finding my purpose in Christ has set me on a path filled with wonder, joy and fulfillment.
One of the problems with institutional church is that it is extremely difficult to find your true purpose. If you want to do more than just show up on Sunday, you get integrated into a system that focuses on fulfilling the mission of the pastor and the church. Because of my skills, I was used in all areas of media; that’s where I fit and that’s where I stayed. I knew there was more that the Lord implanted in me but I had no outlet to pursue His calling in my life.
Most people know they don’t have the speaking ability to be a preacher, teacher or evangelist, they don’t have the time or skill to go to seminary to become a pastor and they don’t see themselves on the mission field. They give up on thinking they have anything to offer besides helping to park cars, usher, help count the money or work the sound board. They bury the thought that there might be a calling on their lives.
The blessing of doing relational gatherings is that each of us has the opportunity to blossom, explore what the Lord has for us and develop our gifts. Seeing people develop and engage in their purpose has been one of the most satisfying things I’ve experienced in doing life together. Seeing people mature and minister to each other is incredible exhilarating to watch.
Are you stuck paddling upstream, maybe it’s time to turn your canoe around.
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