God Surprises Us!

When Rev. Forrest Wells called me at the end of last summer about a possible position at Cargill UMC I politely (I hope) said, “No thanks, I am a full-time student now and I want to dedicate myself to seminary.”  I told Forrest that if they needed some help with any project, finding a youth pastor, or with a retreat I would be glad to consult, however.  Forrest called me back about two weeks later asking me if I would be willing to lead a retreat and I agreed.  Like any good employer with an opening in his organization, Forrest kept the invitation of a job open...and I continued to turn him down.

It is truly marvelous how God works in our lives.  I had a plan, but after I spent a weekend with some truly amazing youth of Cargill UMC I found myself calling Forrest to see about a job.  The church in Janesville has welcomed me and already I find myself developing relationships with the people there, especially the youth.

It seems that in this time and in this place I am called to be in ministry.  I don’t yet know what that will look like or how I will accomplish it, but I leave that to God’s capable hands.  How is it that God is calling you into ministry?  What is God asking of you in this time and in your place?