We all have a ministry.

In verse 17, Paul asks the people to remind Archippus “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you”. I think our names could be inserted where Archippus is. The Lord has given us each an area of ministry, although that most likely changes throughout our lives. Some are called overseas, some to serve in the church, but the majority of us are called to serve the Lord in our everyday lives - in our homes and our workplaces, in our everyday interactions. We are all called to pray. We are all called to love as Jesus loves us. We are all called to share the Good News. No single ministry or calling is better than another. We are all on the same team, with one goal - to shine Jesus to the world, for people to personally encounter the love of Jesus. Let’s lift our fellow ministry workers up in prayer, champion each other.

At the beginning of the chapter, Paul shares snippets of advice on how best to live and serve Jesus… Devote yourself in prayer… live wisely… make the most of every opportunity. You have been called, so be confident in the Lord, the Holy Spirit dwells in you and will guide you in these areas. 

When we live out our ministry, God doesn’t leave us to do it on our own. Paul’s ending words of his letter I think are essential for us to cling on to, “May God's Grace be with you”. God's grace doesn’t leave us, but I think Paul is reminding us that we can’t do our ministry without it! We all need God's grace, it’s not shameful, we are human and need God. God created us human, which means we are designed to need Him and his grace. It’s not a weakness, but a joy for us to be able to partner with God to do the work He has each called us to.

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Questions:

Are you carrying out the ministry the Lord gave you?

Action:

Spend time reflecting on the MSG translation of 2 Corinthians 12:9

“My Grace is enough; it’s all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness.”