In the summer or fall of 2008 I watched "Second Chance." In the movie a pastor learned that he couldn't simply throw money at an inner-city church in order to change things - he had to roll up his sleeves and get involved with the people. I recognized myself in this since my spiritual gift is "throwing money at the problem." During the movie I felt the Spirit making sure I was paying close attention to the message and telling me to get ready for something big, but to wait. Several months later Mike Jiles called to say they had met as a staff at the River and my name had been mentioned for the Director of Children's ministry position. I had mixed emotions about it. While I love kids, it would be time-consuming, and there are elements of children's ministry that just aren't part of my gifting (like teaching). While I fasted and prayed, I felt the answer was, "Not yet. Wait." So I did. I also asked that God speak to me through a dream as He does with so many in the bible. That night I had a dream that I said no to the position and immediately had a wave of peace washing over me.
Meanwhile, I was becoming more involved with Compassion International and had applied to be an Advocate. I prayed God would use me to help the kids get sponsored and that he would use me for something much bigger than me - something so obviously Him and something huge. I began reading the book "Beyond Jabez" which goes deeper into how to pray the prayer of Jabez. While reading each chapter I prayed as the book directed, always thinking my borders would be expanded and He would use me through Compassion, but not asking for specifics since I didn't want to limit Him. I was getting a little annoyed by all of the stories and examples in the book of how prayers were answered in a matter of days. Knowing I had been told to wait I knew my answer wouldn't come that quickly.
As I reached the halfway point of the book I had dinner with friends including Mike Jiles who told me he had a story that "is sooooo Meredith!" He told me about a huge need in the town of Leadville where almost 80% of the children live at or below poverty level. He had a vision for the River to help the town by bringing them VBS, school supplies, coats, etc. He then told me the staff had decided to put off hiring a children's director and instead wanted to find someone to head up "Externally-Focused" ministries. He asked me to pray about taking the position. That night I emailed Mike to ask when he would be going to Leadville again and if I could go with him. Craig and I had just cleaned out our basement and had boxes of clothes, school supplies, and books we were planning to take to Goodwill. I was also praying God would show me His will regarding the position.
The next morning as I read the next chapter of "Beyond Jabez" I realized this Director position was exactly what I had already been praying about for weeks. I didn't need to pray about it because the offer was its own answer to prayer. At this writing I don't know how he is going to use me, but I am filled with nothing but excitement and eager anticipation of what He will do.
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