Ministry often consists of a series of interruptions. We may start our day with a plan. But the needs of people sometimes interrupt our plans. How will we respond to the interruptions? What if God is working through them?
When Jesus heard about the death of his cousin John the Baptizer, he got in a boat to get away and pray. But the crowds anticipated and preceded him. The disciples tried to dismiss the crowd before mealtime. But Jesus told his disciples to care for them. Jesus helped them precisely because he cared. Their need led to one of the greatest miracles in history as Jesus multiplied food to feed thousands. After he fed the crowds, he sent his disciples away in a boat so that he could be alone with his Father. Once again, they found themselves in trouble and he went to them to protect them. I have a painting on my credenza which shows Peter’s view of Jesus as he sank in the water. Jesus’ arms are stretched out to him, lifting him back to life.
Famous Psychiatrist, Karl Menninger was once asked what advice he would give someone who felt a deep depression coming on. He said, “Leave your house, go across the street, find someone in need, and help them.”
As a young pastor, I endured a personal loss and struggled with what to do next. I needed to prepare to preach that weekend, but I was so sad. My personal pity party was interrupted by news that Roy Hudson, my deacon chairman was at Scott and White Hospital in Temple. He needed a coronary bypass and valve replacement for his heart. I drove forty miles down to the hospital that Friday night, expecting to minister to Roy. But as we visited, he and his wife Florine sensed my sadness. They encouraged me and prayed for me that night. I went to try to be a blessing and discovered I was blessed.
We do well to plan. Still, in the days ahead, if things do not go as you plan, thank God for the interruption. God often does his greatest work in us and through us when we have to deviate from our own expected plans. Know this for sure: God is working. Always working. He always finishes what he starts.
