To Produce Abundant Fruit
I wish I could say that I responded to Jesus’ calling in my life like the fishermen — Andrew and Peter, James and John — along the Sea of Galilee who dropped everything to follow Jesus. My reaction was more like the Prophet Jonah who fled God’s calling in the opposite direction. Too often the Church does not affirm the call to ministry of laity, so I continued to struggle in my calling and ignore God. I felt that my calling required too much commitment or was a difficult journey. Slowly I turned myself completely over to God realizing that God offers great power to transform the world to every faithful disciple. Once I accepted my call, I was satisfied to serve my local church’s trustees committee because this position ran parallel to my occupation as a carpenter. Later, God showed me that being a carpenter was my gift. New opportunities for ministry emerged that moved me beyond my accustomed security and comfort. As I continued to listen to God I realized that God would work more through me.
As a teenager I discovered my passion for evangelism. In meeting new people I witnessed the Holy Spirit lead our conversations to discussion about faith and God. I struggled with sharing my faith at first due to fears of rejection. At times the cross that we bear may be difficult and heavy but God did not forsake me and traveled with me on this journey. I became obedient, patiently listening to the Holy Spirit and watching for those ‘door opening’ moments. I did not always know what to say or even what to do in certain circumstances but I simply remained obedient to God. During a trip to Nashville, Tenn., I remember meeting a woman in the hotel whose husband had recently undergone brain surgery at the local hospital. He was not doing well and his doctors abandoned hope for a better prognosis. This woman was depressed and lost because of the situation. In our encounter I spoke a few words of hope from God and prayed with her and her son. Two days later when I saw her and her husband at the hotel, she began to give me credit for his miraculous recovery. However, I told her it was all about God and I was put in her path to reveal God’s healing power.
Now as the conference lay leader, I continue to listen to God. While God continues to prepare me for this ministry, I daily seek guidance and direction from God. I stand in this place in my ministry because God, not me, has positioned me here. So if you want to be faithful, wholly turn yourself over to God. Do not hold back for it is easy to take the wide path that leads to another place. To produce abundant fruit you must realize Jesus has chosen you!
Allen Laferty, Crestline UMC, conference lay leader
