Does serving others ever seem stressful, uncomfortable, scary, overwhelming, or even intimidating?
A few weeks ago, the Youth Ministry from my church delivered cards and sang hymns to our elderly and sick church members. The first stop went off without a hitch. However, soon, I began to hear grumbles from our young people. “It’s too cold!” “It’s dark outside!” “This house looks scary!” “Is this the last stop?” “I want to go home!” And many of their statements were, indeed, factual.
This act of service took them out of their comfort zone. It required them to put someone else’s needs before theirs. However, when we left the last house and the final hymn was sung, the young people’s faces beamed. It was as if the smiles from those we visited had transferred to each child. But perhaps, that’s what serving others is supposed to do. Somehow, helping others brings us a surprise of joy.
As I reflected on our initial discomforts, I was reminded of Hebrews 12:2 (NIV), “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus saw the joy in the cross because of what it would accomplish for us! To put it mildly, the cross was uncomfortable, painful, grievous, and distressful. But none of this stopped Jesus from the cross.
Like the young people at my church, have you ever experienced the difficulty of serving others? How did you overcome this tension? More importantly, have you discovered the joy it brings when you push beyond the discomfort? Jesus served us by becoming the ultimate sacrifice. This was his joy! And may we also find joy in serving others.
A few weeks ago, the Youth Ministry from my church delivered cards and sang hymns to our elderly and sick church members. The first stop went off without a hitch. However, soon, I began to hear grumbles from our young people. “It’s too cold!” “It’s dark outside!” “This house looks scary!” “Is this the last stop?” “I want to go home!” And many of their statements were, indeed, factual.
This act of service took them out of their comfort zone. It required them to put someone else’s needs before theirs. However, when we left the last house and the final hymn was sung, the young people’s faces beamed. It was as if the smiles from those we visited had transferred to each child. But perhaps, that’s what serving others is supposed to do. Somehow, helping others brings us a surprise of joy.
As I reflected on our initial discomforts, I was reminded of Hebrews 12:2 (NIV), “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus saw the joy in the cross because of what it would accomplish for us! To put it mildly, the cross was uncomfortable, painful, grievous, and distressful. But none of this stopped Jesus from the cross.
Like the young people at my church, have you ever experienced the difficulty of serving others? How did you overcome this tension? More importantly, have you discovered the joy it brings when you push beyond the discomfort? Jesus served us by becoming the ultimate sacrifice. This was his joy! And may we also find joy in serving others.
Posted in Serving Others
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3 Comments
Shayla I had read this before when you first sent it in, but today the timing was perfect. What I'm going may be grievous and painful but the outcome of serving others in the Will of God can still bring joy beyond our imagination.
Thank you Shayla for reminding me serving others is a sacrifice just like the one Jesus made for me. Recently, our choir at church has started up again since the pandemic. I was so excited until I realized how early I had to get to church on Sunday morning! But it's all worth it because I get to sing and praise God with all my choir friends again.
Shayla, this is so good, so on point! I love how you also helped the young people get out of their comfort zone. I'm an introvert which can make me pause too long. I also tend to overthink things and that can work against me too. Serving truly is a sacrifice, but oh the joy that comes when we step out. Thank you for sharing💜