Looking back at the path the Lord has led me on, I have at times felt conflicted. I remember when he first started calling and developing me for ministry, I was very confused. On one track, things were taking off in my career. On another parallel track, I was simultaneously having opportunities in ministry and feeling a tug to write, speak, and teach.
The frustration with that was time.
I still struggle with moving forward in the vocation God has calling me to, while carving out the time to work on my ministry. I often feel ministry slipping away, because I’m too tired to be creative and consistent.
However, I’ve noticed over the years when busyness is conflicting with my ministry calling, that God still has this.
Things that cross my mind:
1. There is a perfect timing. Sometimes I see how a delay, or downtime, is actually part of a bigger plan. This helps me not to be so hard on myself when I’m struggling to give my ministry calling my all.
2. I refocus and realize that everything and idea comes from God. He is calling me to do this. He will bring his initiatives forward in His timing. My goal when I’m busy is to think about the calling and listen to his directions and have an awareness of his nudging. Then, I jot those thoughts down and return to them later.
3. Go with it. When the time does come that I can shift and focus on ministry, I try not to aim for perfection. I just do it from the heart and complete the task.
4. I try not to worry. Worrying creates a fear and an unsafe space to work freely and creatively. It’s hard enough having to work on ministry in moments, instead of blocking out huge chunks of time.
5. Last, I reflect on the many bi-vocational pastors that lead a congregation and also work full-time. It’s a huge reminder that some of us are called to be in both worlds.
With encouragement,
Erica
Let me know how you are struggling to walk in your career and calling.
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