Trust, Trials, and the Ever-Present Grace of God—In Everyday Words
Setting Sail: How My Journey Began
If you had told me years ago what serving in ministry would really be like, I’m not sure I would have believed you. Back then, it all seemed so clear, so simple—a journey meant for helping others, sharing hope, and being a steady shoulder for those who needed it. I imagined myself as someone who could light the way, always knowing what to say or do, and never doubting the purpose behind it all.
But as I got further into it, I realized that ministry isn’t a straight path paved with certainty. It’s more like setting out in a boat for the first time. Some days, the weather is perfect—the sun shines, the water is calm, and everyone on board laughs and shares stories. Other days, the clouds roll in, the waves get rough, and I feel uncertain, even lost. That’s when I understood: ministry is really about navigating the deep waters, and those waters are as real as anything I’ve ever faced.
What “Deep Waters” Really Mean
People talk about “deep waters” in church all the time, and at first, I thought it was just a fancy way of saying things get tough sometimes. Now, I see it differently. For me, deep waters are those moments when everything feels overwhelming—when I don’t have the answers, when someone’s pain leaves me speechless, or when the problems seem too big to fix. It’s the feeling of being in over my head, like struggling to stay afloat.
There are times when I’ve doubted whether I’m cut out for this. I’ve worried that I’m not making a real difference, or that I’m not strong enough to keep going. I’ve watched people I care about grieve and struggle, and I’ve felt helpless, knowing my words might not be enough. In those moments, I’ve wanted nothing more than a sign from God, a reminder that I’m not alone out there. But strangely, it’s often when I’m at my lowest, when the water feels cold and I can’t see the shore, that I’ve felt God’s grace the most. Somehow, grace finds its way into those hard, messy moments—not to fix everything instantly, but to remind me I’m not doing this alone.
The Calling: Stepping Into the Unknown
When I first started in ministry, I was excited but nervous. It felt like Abraham’s story—leaving behind what’s familiar and heading into the unknown because God says “go.” I thought being called meant I’d be protected from the worst of it. Turns out, it doesn’t work like that. Ministry brings its fair share of loneliness, criticism, and disappointment. There have been days when I felt misunderstood or worn out from trying to do my best. Sometimes, the weight of responsibility is almost too much.
But what I’ve learned is that these struggles aren’t a sign I’m on the wrong path. If anything, they’ve helped me see how much I need God. Instead of relying on my own ideas or strength, I’ve had to lean into faith—especially when things don’t make sense. It’s not always easy, but it’s real.
Trust and Trials: What I’ve Learned from the Deep
If there’s one lesson ministry has taught me, it’s about trust. Not the kind that comes easily, but the kind that shows up when everything else falls apart. I’ve had to let go of the idea that I can control every outcome or know every answer. When a crisis hits, when conflict brews, or when the day-to-day grind wears me down, I’m reminded that my anchor isn’t my own ability—it’s God.
There’s a passage in the Bible, Psalm 42:7, that says, “Deep calls to deep.” That line sticks with me. To me, it means that in our hardest moments, when we’re at our lowest, our longing for help and hope meets something bigger—God’s endless compassion. It’s not just about surviving the tough times; it’s about finding meaning and connection with God right there in the struggle.
Grace: The Lifeline That Never Disappears
If I’m honest, ministry can be exhausting. But what keeps me going is the ever-present grace of God. Sometimes, grace comes as peace in the middle of chaos. Sometimes, it’s a friend who shows up at just the right moment, or a word of encouragement that lifts my spirit. Other times, it’s simply the relief of knowing I don’t have to do everything on my own.
Grace isn’t a magic fix. It doesn’t make the deep waters disappear or guarantee calm seas. But it does give me the strength to keep paddling, to hold on when things get rough, and to trust that, no matter how deep the water gets, God is there—steady, faithful, and never far away.
Conclusion: Still Navigating, Still Trusting
Looking back, I see that ministry isn’t about having all the answers or being endlessly strong. It’s about showing up, facing the deep waters, and trusting that God’s grace is enough—even when I feel uncertain or afraid. The journey is never fully predictable, and the waters can be rough, but I know I’m not alone in the boat. And for that, I’m grateful.
May the Lord’s blessing be with you. May He lay a firm foundation of the testimony of Jesus in your life!
Minster A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 