“That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases…. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Mark 1:32-38
I need Lent. I need it this year more than ever. The Lord has brought me so far and yet I fall behind and don’t even realize. In Mark we see the true reason Christ came. Jesus healed many. Notice after a day of healing, early the next morning Jesus went to a solitary place to pray. He then was told there were more people to heal. Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else….that is why I have come.” I have been here so many times, “Jesus, what about my healing?” I am learning through this passage that Christ cares about my physical condition but His main focus is the Gospel. Physical healing would make God look grand, my soul is a much bigger deal for my Father.
I have grown proud this year instead of staying humble. Proud, meaning I check in daily with God, but mainly only spend quality time when things go bad. Humility is when I recognized my weakness. Weakness is seen as sad today, but when we are weak, He is strong. When I recognize my weakness, I lean on Christ harder, I extend grace much easier. There is a cleansing effect with weakness and suffering. This has hit home with many issues I am facing: marriage, kids, career, my health. I know Christ cares, but if I really get to the Gospel, it empowers all that I face. Not to frighten anyone as my marriage, kids, job and health are well, but all could be better if I stayed humble.
The reason I share this scripture and what God is teaching me is because where I am, what is influencing me, affects not only me and my family, but the ministries I am called into. It all goes back to the Gospel, and if we say the Gospel is true, we must serve. We were designed to serve.
I have been grouping with four amazing women for over 10 years now. This group is not a Bible study, it is an accountability group. We share our successes, failures, closest moments with God. We hold each other accountable and pray for each other throughout the week. When something happens to one of us, we are the first line of defense. A small group is needed to have a safe place to grow in Christ. I also have a heart for college students. I love to have them over and cook a homemade meal. This simple act means so much to them. The college students coming to Servants do not need to be entertained; they are hungry for spiritual food, and at times homemade food. Life gets busy but I make sure I push myself to make room. Human nature is to look out for yourself, your family first. I always know if I am in His will if the thing I am investing in is life-giving. I know this because I can be tired but when I push through and invest, I leave filled! Another ministry is to my pastor, my husband. Since the day Alex was ordained I heard the Lord instruct me that my main ministry was to him. I was not to be a partner in his ministry, meaning visible within the church. I heard very clearly to be home for the kids and for Alex. I am his prayer warrior, his sounding board, I believe in him and trust the vision God gives him. I look to him as my pastor. Though not visible, it is how I serve the church.
Since our children were born they saw groups meeting in our home, they rode along when we visited and picked up the Sudanese for church/youth group. It was also important for them to have their own ministry opportunity. They started their ministry in the church as acolytes. Before that time there really wasn’t a way for them to give back. As they grew up, if one wanted to stop serving as an acolyte we would say, “What other ministry are you going to take on?” They would pray about it and then tell us what ministry they wanted to invest in. As they grew, so did their ministries… nursery helper, kids church, Club 45, middle school youth while in high school, Young Life leaders/ high school group interns in college.
As I’ve seen my children grow into adults I noticed one consistent thing: they are all doing ministry. Off on their own in college and into adult life they continue to serve. I believe the foundation was set that is it expected for all of us to invest in Kingdom work. It has been a joy to see what God calls them to ministry-wise, which of course in turn has deepened their faith.
Jody Farmer
Jody has lived in Gainesville since 2002 and has been a part of this body since. She has three adult children, one daughter-in-law, and one soon to be son-in-law; Jake & Paige, Charleigh & Andy, and Samantha. She has been married to Alex for 26 years. She was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years before reentering the work force in 2012. She is the Senior Sales Manager at a publishing company. She enjoys interior decorating, thrifting and being anywhere with her family! She is so thankful for this church where she can be herself and grow more each year.