At 75, my opportunities for ministry are few and far between. Yet, I've felt God's call to ministry since my teens.Being a woman held me back for quite a while, but in my 30s the doors began to open for me. I was fortunate to actively serve in and thru music (all ages) ministry. Never felt called to be a pastor/preacher but definitely felt called to minister. I love leading, sharing, and just being used of God. One of my best, long-time friends has been very critical and outspoken about my calling, my desire to lead. Her words have shaken me sorely. I do not even know how to explain my heart to her. There's more...than time allows, but the encounter was just 4 days ago, and I'm still reeling. It is also very hard to trust her and still be friends. I am still active as an accompanist, but often draw on my years of ministry experiences to assist others. Now, I'm doubting it all. She may as well have slapped me, because of the impact of her words. She implied that i wanted to LEAD ... be in charge ... etc. Another friend thinks she is just jealous of the things i have done, etc. My husband isn't open to discussing it with me (he despises conflict) and heard her say it all. But said not a word. That confused me, too. I feel abandoned, but am seeking God's heart. I'm frozen...paralyzed, confused and hurting. Was (am) I just fooling myself into thinking God used or could use me after all??? Truly battling discouragement. Have you any insight?
At 75, my opportunities for ministry are few and far between. Yet, I've felt God's call to ministry since my teens.Being a woman held me back for quite a while, but in my 30s the doors began to open for me. I was fortunate to actively serve in and thru music (all ages) ministry.
Never felt called to be a pastor/preacher but definitely felt called to minister. I love leading, sharing, and just being used of God. One of my best, long-time friends has been very critical and outspoken about my calling, my desire to lead. Her words have shaken me sorely. I do not even know how to explain my heart to her. There's more...than time allows, but the encounter was just 4 days ago, and I'm still reeling. It is also very hard to trust her and still be friends. I am still active as an accompanist, but often draw on my years of ministry experiences to assist others. Now, I'm doubting it all. She may as well have slapped me, because of the impact of her words. She implied that i wanted to LEAD ... be in charge ... etc. Another friend thinks she is just jealous of the things i have done, etc. My husband isn't open to discussing it with me (he despises conflict) and heard her say it all. But said not a word. That confused me, too. I feel abandoned, but am seeking God's heart. I'm frozen...paralyzed, confused and hurting. Was (am) I just fooling myself into thinking God used or could use me after all???
Truly battling discouragement. Have you any insight?
I recommend changing the title. It doesn't correspond to the content.