A Pastor’s Reflection: Embracing God’s Grace and Calling

Having served as pastor at HBC for over seven years now, I am just as encouraged and devoted as I was at the outset. More than 18 years ago, God led me away from secular work and towards full-time ministry. At the time the prospect seemed exciting as well as fearful.

It was exciting because I deeply desired to devote my time and abilities to nurturing and strengthening Christ’s church, working towards the growth of His kingdom. Over time, my conviction has only grown stronger that God’s Word, through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, is entirely sufficient to rescue someone from the penalty and bondage of sin, and to see them become whole in Christ. Week after week, I have been blessed to witness this transformation in God’s people in truly remarkable ways. The gospel’s power and sufficiency continue to bring conviction of sin, heal damaged relationships, instil courage and faith to trust God through significant trials, shift our focus from ourselves to the Saviour, and much more. Ministry is indeed an exciting calling, and I am grateful that God has placed me here.

But when I ventured toward ministry some 18 years ago, I was also filled with fear and apprehension. I wasn’t sure how the Lord would provide for us, nor did I know if Kristi and I had the endurance needed, or what impact ministry might have on our family life. I was also fearful about where God might lead us, having grown up and lived my whole life in the South-East suburbs of Melbourne. Yet, reflecting now, I see that none of those worries were justified. It certainly hasn’t been without its challenges, but at every turn God has met our needs with an abundance of His grace. Just as the Lord reassured Paul, He has assured us:

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).

God’s grace has been and continues to be poured out in good measure through the provision of His people. Ministry is never a solo effort—just as the Apostle Paul experienced and I can attest to. He expressed this to the church in Philippi, saying,

I thank my God every time I remember you, always praying with joy for all of you because of your partnership in the gospel from the very first day until now” (Phil 1:3-5).

All of us must realise that we live one life and this life is ultimately lived for eternity. What I mean is that all we do in this life has direct relevance for what will happen in the next life. Dedicating ourselves to serving Christ in every aspect of life is truly the most vital calling we have. David Livingstone was right when he famously said,

If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honour, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?”.

Each of us needs to ask the question, if Jesus Christ has given His all to me, have I given my all to Him? May service to Christ and the proclamation of His name become our greatest desire and our driving passion.

Therefore, my beloved brothers [and sisters], be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Cor 15:58)