"Ministry of the Moment"

“Ministry of the Moment”

At a recent meeting of our church’s “Honor Bound” men’s group the leader asked the members to share experiences of unexpected opportunities to touch others’ lives. Several (including yours truly) did so, giving real life examples of what Karen calls “Ministry of the Moment”. These occasions may interrupt our plans but let’s remember Solomon’s words in Proverbs 16:9: “In (one’s) heart (one) plans (his or her) course, but the Lord determines (one’s) steps.” (My paraphrase: “God reserves the right to change our plans.”) The results of these unforeseen encounters bless both the helper and helpee.

Over the past several weeks Karen has practiced “ministry of the moment” in several ways. She stayed with a church lady afflicted with dementia so her sister/caregiver could attend a support group for those dealing with such circumstances. She also helped a member of our Sunday School class pack up her kitchen wares in preparation for a move. In another case she sat with a friend in the hospital’s surgical waiting area while her husband was undergoing a heart bypass procedure. Then she took a widowed friend from our small group to and from outpatient knee surgery and stayed with her at her home until a family member arrived. She also accompanied another widow to the ER for treatment. And when called upon she’s willing to prepare a dish for a funeral meal or other time of need. She’s certainly put into practice Paul’s admonition in Galatians 6:10 (Phillips): “Let’s then do good to all (people) as opportunity offers….” (I shudder to think of all the times I’ve blown chances to exercise “ministry of the moment”—for an example see my earlier article “Being a Friend”.)

Jesus was ready to minister in unanticipated ways when He healed a woman with an uncontrolled bleeding problem while on His way elsewhere (Matthew 9:18-26), talked to a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4) and raised a widow’s son to keep her from becoming destitute (Luke 7:11-17). He was never too busy to help those in need. And in so doing He gave dignity and blessing to those who were looked down upon by society (in these three cases women) and left us an example to follow.

We may not know what to do when “ministry of the moment” presents itself but God’s promised “…grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). So when the opportunity knocks let’s open the door to bring a blessing (and at the same time be blessed).

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan