Answers

I talked about listening for His voice during the Christmas season, after God chipped through my protective shell and broke my heart for the weak and needy of the world. I needed answers. I felt helpless in the face of such vast hopelessness. I knew God could use me, but how? When? Where? I feared I was wasting my life.
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So I listened. I had two questions in mind: Does what I'm doing right now matter? And if not, what should I be doing differently or in addition?

Right about the same time God was working in my heart, Brian started doing some soul searching as well. Brian's job was difficult (major understatement) as a result of the way the company is managed ...mismanaged is more accurate. He wondered if he was really where he should be. Together, we began seeking God's will in answers to those questions.

In my Bible reading, I came upon verses like 2 Timothy 1: 8, 9 and 4: 5:
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord of of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity..." 
"But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
But what is my calling, my ministry? Yes, to be a wife and helper for my husband. But what else? I knew there was more. What about the helpless and suffering people in the world?
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The verses kept coming in, phrases jumping out at me that I'd never noticed before.
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Titus 2:11-15
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men...He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy...
 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men." Titus 3:1, 2, 5, 8
Then I started receiving comments in person and on my blog, people thanking me for a specific post, or mentioning how something I wrote touched them or made them think.

I believe God used your encouraging words and The Word to tell me that my blogging really can be, and is, a ministry. I might not be able to donate much money to causes, I might not be able to travel on mission trips, but through my blog, I can be a voice. A voice for the voiceless.

Consequently, I intend to bring causes and ministries to your attention on a regular basis, and to continue to donate my profits from my affiliate links. It seems like a small offering, just a few fish and loaves, but I believe God will take it and multiply it to feed thousands.

But what about Brian's job situation? That answer wasn't as straightforward.

To Be Continued.

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