TWO BIG MINISTRY TRUTHS …

“And he said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter see on the ground.
He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.‘”
Mark 4:26, 17 (italics & underline mine)

First:  You know, I have no idea how God plans to use one of the gals in my Bible Studies I facilitate in significant ways in His kingdom, for His glory.

Patricia was in the very first Bible study I led as a one year old college student believer. I’m awed by the ministry she and her husband have had over the years in the states and Eastern Europe. Patricia has been involved in the English language camps developing programs, writing Bible studies, and training the small group leaders to study the Bible for themselves while improving their English at the same time.

I think of Linda, a neighbor during our Illinois days. We met one day as I was praying  while pushing our son in his stroller. As I passed Linda’s home, I noticed her Swing-o-matic in her front window. We both had sons named David about the same age. We started reading the Bible together. Linda’s heart for God shines as she is involved with the women in her local Catholic church.

 

And then there is Paula. We landed in the same Bible study in our local church and she and I connected deeply. She calls me her mentor. In reality we mentored each other. Paula has had amazing influence in her family, her church, and through the ministry of TrueFace. She calls herself a visionary connector and she lives that out well! I’m honored to call her my friend.

This week, Bill and I had breakfast with Erin, a recent college grad. She shared some struggles and we were so encouraged by her vulnerability and her desire for spiritual growth. We’re excited for how God will use Erin. We know not how.

Because I have no idea how God will use my friendships for His kingdom and His glory, I’m very motivated to be generous with affirmations, to notice God’s work in the lives of others and to verbalize it to them.

“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
Psalm 138:8

Secondly:  It’s not about me and my friendships. It’s not about my ministry. It’s not about what I do. God is the one who is at work!

“I planted,
Apollos watered,
but God gave the growth.”
I Corinthians 3:6

God offers me the privilege of planting. God sometimes allows me to water. But God is the one who takes my planting and watering efforts and brings the growth. And God is able to do far more abundantly than all that I ask or think! Ephesians 3:20.

And this leads to a third truth: I may never know what God is up to in my friendships; and that’s okay. Jeremiah 29: 11 is still true, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Brandon said it well, “As the dance floor thrummed and the people mingled, I had a striking realization. This wedding, these people, would not be here if we had not followed the Lord’s leading to move to the Northeast.” Bill and I are very thankful for Brandon and Ashley and the amazing influence they have had among college students and others because they moved from Iowa to Connecticut.

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW!

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, May 2025