40 Faces, 40 Places: A Devotional JourneySample

Shirley from Glasgow

Sometimes whole-life discipleship looks like seeking to serve wherever we are.

I’m a chaplain for a business and a local church leader. Engaging with the unusual, unknown, and unlovely things of life is how I serve God every day. I see Him at work in powerful, beautiful ways as I navigate the ordinary things that unfold around me. I’m aware of how he leads me into conversations, situations, and moments of helpfulness each day.

In my work, I love meeting people as they turn or return to God, hearing their stories, and celebrating the small steps of heart and feet as they tentatively move closer to God. I get to walk with others, being invited into their perspective and sharing what we find together along the path.

Sometimes I used to feel pressure to be a good witness, to be an example, but I’m learning it’s okay to simply be me and let others see God shine through my vulnerabilities.

Whether in chaplaincy, business, or church leadership, walking in time with God's Spirit means serving in practical ways by being present, teaching, sharing, and offering a place of hospitality. As I walk with God, He is served, and He uses me to serve others.

Reflection

Shirley fulfills various frontline roles, and she’s up for God’s surprises in all of them! It doesn’t matter what ‘hat’ she’s wearing at any given moment – Shirley seeks God’s presence and guidance. Her job as a chaplain explicitly means being ‘the Christian in the workplace’ – but all our work is meaningful to God, paid or unpaid, ‘sacred’ or ‘secular.’

As whole-life disciples, we could say we’re all called to be chaplains on our frontlines – and we’re all called to join God’s work in ‘moments of helpfulness’ each day.

Prayer

Lord, please help me represent You well amidst the unusual, unknown, and the unlovely of life today. Lead me into the right conversations, situations, and moments of helpfulness. Help me to walk in time with You today and serve others well.