One of the things I’ve been hearing a lot from various interns is that they haven’t been able to attend service in a long time. This is usually because they’re assigned to a ministry that doesn’t get to be in service (most notable childcare).
Following that is usually something along the lines of “I’m not being fed.” Unfortunately, I’m not the guy to be telling this to. I will never be sorry asking someone to die to their own needs for the sake of others. I believe you are serving God by serving others.
Anyway. I’m not as mean as I sound. 
In fact, God showed me something encouraging for the interns in Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30. It’s about the Canaanite/Syrophoenician Woman.
The woman came up to Jesus and begged him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Here’s their dialogue.
Mark 7:24-28 (emphasis added) 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.“ 28 Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.“ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
First off, what was impressive is that she continued pleading with Jesus despite his harsh response. But more importantly is her response in v27.
It basically conveyed two things:
- I’m allowed to eat.
- All I need to be satisfied are crumbs.
All she needed was a crumb of Jesus. That was enough to heal her daughter.
The story is very similar to the Roman Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. The centurion didn’t need Jesus to actually go to his servant to heal him, but just to “say the word” (v8).
So to those who serve in ministry and may be growing weary/tired because you’re missing service, remember the Canaanite Woman and the Roman Centurion. Think of where you’re at as a crumb of Jesus’ ministry.
It’s more than enough. Only if you believe it though.
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