I love ministering to people who are on the mountaintop in their life. I love ministering to children who are healthy, full of life, energy, and happiness. I love ministering to a young couple who are glowing with joy as they dedicate their new baby to Christ. I love ministering when a father sees his son following Christ in baptism. On the mountaintop, the air is fresh and the smell is sweet as you celebrate with families.
But, there are going to be times when you are a minister in the valley. You'll stand beside a little coffin with parents whose lives have been shattered. You'll walk out of the children's wing of a hospital and ask God, "Why?" You'll do your best to encourage a boy and his mother because dad has walked out. I experienced it today at the hospital in the children's ICU area as I prayed with the grandfather of a little girl who is in critical condition.
We are called to be ministers on the mountaintop...and the valley. I'll be honest...sometimes I don't know what to say when I'm ministering to someone who is in the valley. At times...I am just there...crying with them, loving them, and praying with them. I must trust God to show up with His grace...and He always does. His presence is there...in the valley.
