Evangelization Outreach / Brie Anne Varick

‘Lord, what do you want to do through me today?’ Remember, let God lead

You may know my office for programs like the Indiana March for Life, Project Rachel retreats or healing Masses. My role also allows me to accompany, form and pray with parish leaders—both staff and volunteers—across the archdiocese.

As I prayed about what to write for this week’s column in The Criterion, I felt called to share a reflection I gave at a parish recently.

Last fall, I was preparing a talk for ministry leaders and thought I could reuse a previous one with minor tweaks. But as I worked, it felt stale and uninspired. I realized I had fallen into a common trap: relying on autopilot. With good intentions, we often repeat programs, talks and events without pausing to let God reveal something new. The temptation is to not take the time to ask: God, is this what you want? What do you want to say?

Re-using content isn’t wrong—our efforts can bear fruit for years—but we work in vain when we work outside of relationship with God. My problem wasn’t that the old talk was bad; it was that I forgot to invite God into the process. Ironically, the talk was about bringing God into our ministry and letting him be a part of the conversation! It’s easy to exclude him, especially when something worked well before.

Psalm 127 reminds us: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain, unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep” (Ps 127:1-2).

God used this moment to remind me that he wants to be part of everything. I’ve experienced his healing and know he speaks to me, yet I still forget. Pride and self-reliance creep in, and I try to do it all myself. But God doesn’t want that—he wants to take care of everything. After all, it’s his Church, it’s his mission, and we are blessed to be part of it.

As I struggled, I sensed him asking, “Are you ready to listen to me?”

Frustrated, I asked if I could use any of the old talk. His reply: “The prayer.” Exasperated, I said, “So I have to rewrite the whole thing?” He answered, “Yes. Keep it simple. Don’t overthink it. Let them know they belong to me.”

God let me wrestle so I could share this with you: He wants your mission to flow from your relationship with him. It’s God’s ministry—let him lead. His message for you is the same: Bring everything to him. Nothing is too small. God wants to work through you, but his greatest work will be in you. You are his beloved child, and you belong to him.

So, in the big and small tasks, the complicated and simple decisions, invite God into it all. “Lord, what do you want to do through me today?”

That simple question can change everything.
 

(Brie Anne Varick is the director of archdiocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity. She can be reached at bvarick@archindyorg.) †