What Have I Learned in 39 Years of Ministry?

by John O’Malley

Thirty-nine years ago this month, I began in ministry. On the anniversary of this event, I decided to write what I learned. I wrote these lessons to help me process, reflect, and remember the goodness of God over these years.

I know I can say with confidence thirty-nine years later:

1. 1. I chose not to see the scars, just the grace applied.
   2. I decided not to feel the bruises, just the mercy received.
   3. I chose not to remember pains, just the healing.
   4. I stood by gravesides and knew God’s comfort.
   5. I sat with the dying and knew hopeful sorrow.
   6. I sat with the grieving and saw their grace in grief.
   7. I was blessed to have friends and receive their forgiveness.
   8. I was blessed to walk the most challenging paths but was never alone.
   9. I was blessed to know a real friend.
   10. I learned that an enemy’s view of me is not God’s.
   11. I learned those who made themselves enemies can become teachers, helpers, and friends.
   12. I received mercy when I erred with friends.
   13. I received grace for my faults and failures from friends.
   14. I saw betrayal and loyalty from the same person.
   15. I learned hurt can become hope.
   16. I learned disappointment can become a classroom.
   17. I learned that the truth from the inner circle is better than flattery from any source.
   18. I knew love because of my wife.
   19. I held life’s greatest joy: the birth of a child.
   20. I saw God enlarged my heart when I met our daughter-in-law.
   21. I shed unfamiliar tears upon the news of a granddaughter joining our family.
   22. I learned life’s greatest treasures are the relationships made.
   23. I learned the greatest gift you can give your spouse, family, ministry, and supporters is being mentally and emotionally healthy and self-aware.
   24. I learned prayer is the best response.
   25. I learned it is best to believe in others.
   26. I found forgiveness is better.
   27. I found life is too precious to spend time pouting.
   28. I learned when uncertain to do the next right thing.
   29. I discovered a child’s smile is life-giving.
   30. I learned failures are not final.
   31. I learned forgiveness is a choice.
   32. I learned I do not need a man’s approval.
   33. I learned holding the same doctrinal position is more straightforward than changing positions.
   34. I learned a friend stays.
   35. I learned that when God pauses my plans, He works out His plan.
   36. I learned believing in people inspires them.
   37. I learned responding in kind is different from responding with kindness.
   38. I learned the cruelest and kindest words can come from the same people, including me.
   39. I learned childhood wounds do not have to hinder you; they can help you.
   40. I learned that I choose when I can get over whatever hurt me.
   41. I found remembering the delights of the Lord is better than remembering life’s disappointments.
   42. I learned the hope of watching God work tomorrow is better than today’s frustration.
   43. I learned discouragement is a luxury I cannot afford.
   44. I know God is faithful.
   45. I know God gives emotions.
   46. I know God can.
   47. I know God uses afflictions.
   48. I know God’s word is true.
   49. I know to everything, there is a season.
   50. I know applying grace is easier than holding a grudge.

Does one of these lessons resonate with you? What lessons have you learned that you want to share with me? I would love to read them.

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.