Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:10
As ministry Assistants, we can find ourselves in the sights of the hurting, angry, or lost. Those who are so desperate they feel that fighting is the only way to be heard so they come out swinging. Sometimes those words are bitter and difficult to hear without taking them in and being tempted to take offense. Assisting can be a place of tension between the need and the fulfillment – the tough and the tender. Sadly, this position can see more than its fair share of mud, so we must be careful to guard our hearts. We must keep our eyes on Jesus as we ask Him to wash our hearts, minds, eyes, and souls from the mire He has invited us into for His Holy Spirit’s work.
Yes, we have been invited into His work and that often happens in the messy places. So we need to remind ourselves that getting dirty is part of the privilege. We walk that holy space in muddy boots as we carry the bottomless bucket of His holy refreshing, splashing it lavishly onto those we encounter. Because, while we know the sting of harsh words, we also know the delight of surprising someone with kindness! A kind word, a gas card, or praying for someone in a difficult situation is a privilege we joyfully walk out in the name of Jesus. After all, we are simply giving away what we, ourselves, have been given in that bottomless bucket! What a delight to see relief in their eyes when they are able to drop the defenses and open their clenched fists to simply receive grace.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
We are called to be people of generosity and kindness. It is a beautiful responsibility to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us. And as we splash His grace on others, we find that we too get drenched! When we focus on the joy of His refreshing, the muddy boots aren’t that big of a deal. And as we stand there – covered in mud, drenched in His refreshing, and big smiles on our faces – we clearly hear our loving Father’s laughter as He reminds us…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 