by Dennis Hodulick
As I approach the mid-point of the fourth decade of ministry I worry about money. When we began this “full-time” trusting of God I knew how it worked, you ministered, gave no thought for tomorrow and the finances would come. And the finances came. And kept coming.
We raised three children this way. Moreover, scores, if not hundreds, perhaps even thousands, were also challenged to radically trust God and experience His supply. And many of them did. But, that was yesterday and today is today. In fact, yesterday I applied for Medicare Part B. I used to know how it worked and now I can’t fill out a one-page form for Medicare without copious help and equally abundant anxiousness.
I don’t blame myself because everything has changed, our country has certainly changed, driven by rancorous politics and an out of control culture. Even ministry has changed. We used to look to those among us with grey hair, crowns of glory and pray, “Do it again LORD, do it again!” Now, frustrated by ever morphing technology, we look to the young and say, “How do I do it? How do I use it?”
So after nearly four-decades of ministry it comes down to worry and fear? Actually, worry and fear are daily evils that must be overcome. When I look back over almost 40-years of ministry I see mainly the many triumphs The Lord has given, the sick healed, buildings built, families released into ministry and lives saved. Forgotten is the worry and fear that was beaten back over and over again.
Among all that the Bible has to say are two simple passages that today (at this moment) comes to mind:
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
So, nothing has changed! I still know what to do. Continue to minister, give no thought for tomorrow and what we need will come.
What do you think? How do these thoughts challenge or encourage you to walk in faith?
Dennis Hodulick serves as the Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Fellowship in Bay Shore, NY and can also be found sharing his thoughts online on his blog.
