the joy of ministry

Doing things for Jesus is often referred to as ministry.  The root of this idea is service.  Volunteers make the church work.  Why?  do volunteers, volunteer?  I would like to think it's because they love God and appreciate His great grace and it motivates them to serve others.   I'm sure some volunteer out of duty or guilt as well.  When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he gave a window into the idea of "joy". He was referring to the love that He had for the new Thessalonian church when he said:

Th. 2:19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?

Is it not you indeed.  The joy of ministry is what makes volunteering fun.  It's what makes it meaningful.  Seeing the light come on in a person's soul, or the relief from comfort given in a time of pain, or the growth and maturity over a series of ups and downs.  God has provided that we would have joy in the task of serving!  

Praise God!