Gone Before Us
It was nice to know that someone understood our issues and had found a way through.
Reference: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV
Explore: When I was new to ministry I was fortunate enough to travel overseas to visit other churches and meet fellow ministry staff. We had time to look at their facilities as well as ask questions of their ministry areas.
It was amazing that even after we had travelled to the other side of the world, the issues you had to address as church workers were similar. Congregation members feeling unsatisfied, the preaching not being to someone’s liking and the carpark being too small.
Different church; same issues.
The comforting thing was many of these churches had worked at overcoming some of the typical challenges we were all facing. It was nice to know that someone had gone before us, understood our issues and had found a way through.
Application: There are many challenges that come up in our lives, whether you work for a church or not. At times you can feel very alone as you deal with each situation.
But 1 Corinthians 3 reminds us we are never alone. God has gone before us. Through Jesus Christ He has experienced life on earth and He has laid a foundation of how we are to live like Him.
Whenever you feel alone and that no one understands, turn to Christ. He has been there before.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for understanding my trials. Help me to be understanding towards others as well. Amen.
When have you felt alone and that no one understands?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.