Ministry Overload

At the beginning of January I realized that there was a bible study that I really wanted to attend – but it was on Monday nights – for 10 weeks! As many of you know, because of my job, I very seldom can commit to anything that requires me to be in town regularly on a particular week night. But as I counted, it became clear that God opened up my schedule in January and February. I realized that I had more than 10 Monday nights in a row off. Now, because I don’t get paid when I don’t work, this is a blessing that may prove costly eventually, but His economy is not mine to worry about. All I know is that the opportunity was there and I grabbed it.

What a blessing this time has been. I have been participating in the Beth Moore bible study on Esther for the past 4 weeks with over 100 other women. I am amazed at what she pulls from scripture – what a role model for those of us who want to go deeper!

Starting that same weekend, Ralph and I began helping to facilitate a class at church on Sunday nights. The subject matter is Neal Anderson’s Freedom In Christ. Though we went through this material many years ago, and had a similar ministry, we have been placed on hold by God for the past few years as far as ministry goes (other than my speaking ministry).

Wow – I knew that God released us from the waiting a few months ago and that He was going to send us out in ministry again, but suddenly I am on Ministry overload – and it is FABULOUS!!

Take this week for example. On Saturday night we had our “Freedom” class (due to the Superbowl on Sunday afternoon). On Monday night I had my Esther study. Then on Thursday morning, I was blessed to be asked to pray with two women in the group through the “7 steps to freedom”. There has been homework for both classes AND I am in the midst of writing a whole new series of talks for a retreat I get to speak at the first weekend in March! Is God good, or what?!

When I was experiencing ministry burnout several years ago, I never thought I would be so happy to be back in the midst of a busy ministry schedule. The Lord has really refreshed me, built me up and encouraged me these past few months and I am so looking forward to following Him to wherever He takes me.

And now as I sit here, with my music playing, I am listening to “You Raise Me Up” and truly know what that means!

Romans 8:16, 17
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.


Thank you, Jesus, that you have made me more than a conqueror. Because of your love and power, I can live as a victor instead of a victim today!

Have a great weekend, all!
Patti