Pastor's Perspective - What's Your Thing?

Recently our beautiful 12-year-old daughter Abigail gleefully announced to my wife Michelle, “Momma, I’ve found my thing!”

For those of you readers who have never met our Abi, she is an amazingly gifted child. She is high-energy personified, with the rare ability to see something once and do it perfectly – better than the one she watched!

Over the years Abi has tried her hand at many things – soccer, dance, even hip hop. Each, predictably, she excelled in immediately. However, recently we found the thing Abi really loves – cheerleading!

Last month she joined the ranks of the local Solano Mustangs football league. She practices hard every evening and logs over eleven hours each week. Her diligence and preparation shine! Each Saturday she takes her place within her squad and really gets the crowd going. As a matter of fact, after her very first game a few weeks ago, she was awarded the coveted ‘Spirit Stick’ (Yep, that’s her holding it in the picture). So, with pride in our hearts each Saturday watching our little girl from the stands, we as Abi’s family have to agree with her – she indeed has found her thing.

Let me ask you a question.

What’s your thing?

Have you found it yet?

Are you actively doing your thing?

Are you courageously experimenting with different things – looking for yours?

As modern-day disciples of Jesus, we are assured in Scripture that each one of us has a thing – something unique – divinely invested – given for the good and glory of the church – and for the benefit of countless others.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul tells us that each one of us is a part of the body of Christ (verse 27), and that our place in it is divinely arranged (verse 18) as God determines (verse 11). In other words, when it comes to the church – you have ‘a thing’!

Here are just a few helpful hints in identifying yours:

-What have you always wanted to do?

-What do you like to do?

-What do you frequently think about doing?

-What seems to come easy for you?

-What do others say you do well and derive a personal blessing from?

Friend, that’s your thing!

Pastor's Perspective - A Stroke of Love

Since my earliest recollection, I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Word of God; however, admittedly, I love seeing it more! This morning I got to see it in heart-warming action. Let me tell you about it.

Two years ago a beloved member here at First Christian named Lynn Stone experienced a devastating and debilitating stroke. Through God’s matchless kindness, Lynn survived. Her speech and mobility were affected, but again, the great news was she survived! Through the Lord’s faithfulness and therapy she has made tremendous rehabilitative strides.

For two years I’ve prayed with and for Lynn. Through this unwelcomed episode and chapter in her life, I began to see a new Lynn emerge. I thoroughly loved and appreciated the former version; but, there was a newness about her – a newness that radiated unashamedly for Christ to all who meet her.

Several months ago Lynn approached me rather nervously about something she believed the Lord had put on her heart – a new monthly peer support group ministry for stroke survivors – one she was willing to create, promote, coordinate and lead. Her desire was that victims of stroke would know how much they are valued, and that they could be heard and encouraged.

Over the course of several months, by the Lord’s generous kindness, Lynn has created a team of compassionate medical people inside and outside the church who understand the special needs of stroke survivors and their families. The result is a brand new ministry called ‘A Stroke of Love’, and they are meeting right now for the very first time here in the building as I type this!

The Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthian believers that God is the ‘God of all comfort’. But he didn’t stop writing there! He continued that God comforts us in our troubles “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Did you get that?

The desired divine objective is that what we receive from God would be transferred to others. That ultimately, what we receive from God is to be given away for His glory and in His name – something Lynn is doing beautifully in her life. She learned first-hand, and is inspiring others here at FCC with the fact, that ministries are sometimes created in the most unusual and mysterious ways – but we all have one!

What has God done in your life? How has He healed and comforted you? What has He pulled you through?

Friend, that’s your ministry!