It’s been difficult, coming up with something to write about this month. The ebb and flow of ministry that I’ve come to know so intimately over the past decade hasn’t stopped, and it never ceases to affect me deeply.

 

This summer has been full of a lot of loneliness and loss. People walk away, relationships are broken, hardships come. It can really make you question what you’re actually doing. My peacekeeper mentality wants to avoid the conflict and tension at all costs. It can be easy to slip into a dynamic where other people’s decisions call the shots for your ministry. But other people are not my god, and Jesus didn’t say “Blessed are the peacekeepers.”

 

He said peacemakers.

 

Making peace isn’t always a warm fuzzy experience. It’s often painful and lonely and dark. It’s upheaval and sticking to your guns and loving even when it hurts— especially when it hurts.

 

So while I watch new life spring up in other places, it’s my hope that this tectonic shifting, this upheaval and breaking, will make new earth where new life can flourish.

 

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthews 5:3-12)