The church year · Ascension · Forty days after Easter, a Thursday
You’ve been carrying the work alone. He never sent you that way.
Ascension remembers the day Jesus returned to the Father. Before he went, he sent his friends out with a promise: “I am with you always” (Matt 28:18–20).
You serve. You lead the small group, run the nursery, teach the class, or pastor the church. Lately it feels like everything depends on you, and you’re running on empty. You can’t remember the last time you sat with Jesus without a task in hand. You’re not the first servant to feel this.
Fellow travelers
We aren’t the first to walk this way.
- The disciples worshiped the risen Jesus on the mountain, “but some doubted.” He sent them anyway, doubts and all (Matt 28:17–20).
- The same friends stood staring at the sky until angels asked, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” (Acts 1:8–11).
- Moses told God, “I cannot carry all these people by myself” (Num 11:14). God shared the load.
- Elijah collapsed under a broom tree and asked to die. God gave him sleep and bread before he gave him another word (1 Kings 19:4–8).
Jesus didn’t leave to hand you his job; he went up to keep praying for you while you do it.
Where the Shepherd meets us
The destination of every season is the same: God himself.
- All authority belongs to him, so the weight of results doesn’t belong to you (Matt 28:18).
- He “always lives to intercede” for us (Heb 7:25). Right now, Jesus is praying for you.
- The power for the work comes from the Spirit he promised, not from our stamina (Acts 1:8).
- “Apart from me you can do nothing,” he said, and he meant it kindly (John 15:5). Remain in him, and the fruit takes care of itself.
Before your next ministry task, stop for one minute. Say, “Jesus, you go first. I’ll come with you.” Then begin.
Keep walking
- Back to School
- Us with God and Ministry
- For God: Sheep trying to be the sheepdog
- The Calendarthe whole year at a glance