Faithful in little, faithful in much.

As Christians, and even as ministers, we have heard these words of Jesus echoed through older/wiser mentors forever. It’s been quoted to us dozens of times, yet we cannot seem to shake off the frustration that plagues our bodies.

You may be in the same boat I had been in for years. The boat that says, I know I am where God has called me, but I’m just not passionate about what I’m doing. And if you are like me you know that we need to be faithful in little to be faithful in much- we get it. We’ve read the scripture and wear the t-shirt. And when you share your frustration it’s the same thing- You just need to be faithful or You just need to “pay your dues.”

But what no what tells you is how to stay faithful in the midst of your frustration. No one tells you how to continue in a ministry position you know God has called you to with excellence when it is not your passion. Here are a few things I have learned over the years while waiting in my God-given assignment:

DO WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT: Does God have you in a season of kids ministry but you’re not good with kids? Ask yourself what you are good at. If you have a knack for hospitality, get creative and put your hospitality spin on the kids ministry. Doing what you are good at can scratch that itch and put personal touches on a ministry no one else would have thought of.

ADD WHAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT: Just because you are good at something doesn’t mean that is what you’re passionate about it. Are you passionate about worship? Do you dream of leading people to experience God’s presence to the fullest? If this isn’t your season to be a worship leader on Sundays or conferences, bring worship to where you are serving. If it’s a small bible study, then bring your guitar! This, once again, adds a personal touch that might not have been there otherwise.

BE OKAY WITH NOT LOOKING LIKE EVERY OTHER PASTOR: You may be a youth pastor and see other youth pastors doing “youth pastory” things- but that doesn’t mean you HAVE to do them. It’s often expected that YP’s get into the schools to minister. Maybe you work a second job and can’t have lunch with kids and their friends. But one of your youth leaders might. Delegate the things you are not good at, or can’t do, so you can focus on the things you are good at. No one said you had to look like the other YP down the road.

COME TO TERMS WITH HAVING TO DO THINGS YOU DON’T LIKE: Just as in any job, you must do things you don’t like doing. You may hate counseling, but until you can find someone to delegate this task to, God will ask you to do the things you don’t like in order to grow and teach you. Allow Him to do this in your life.

DON’T GO UNTIL GOD RELEASES: You may be in your current position with one foot in and one foot out the door. Don’t be like this. You will not be able grow the way God needs you to. Be all in where God has you. Give it 100% of your effort and do not leave until the Lord releases you.

This is a hard season. I get it. I’ve been there. But instead of beating yourself up and getting frustrated, know that your time is coming. It could be tomorrow or 10 years from now, but know it will be here one day. And you will look back and thank God for the season you are in because it prepared you to live out your passion!