Fired or Replaced or Finished?

I have been fired. No, that's not right. Let me try again.
After 10 weeks, I have been replaced in a job I did not seek, nor was I paid for, nor did I feel is my fulfilling Spirit-calling. So, why am I feeling relieved and sad at the same time???

This pastor's wife is called upon frequently to fill-in for a ministry vacancy. I have discovered that my Spirit-gift is being a glass of water: pour water out on a table and it pools in the gaps and crevices. I fill gaps and crevices. Just this last year we have had three ministry staff changes at church and guess who filled the gap for each one?

The problem with being a gap-filler is that when the gap is filled, repaired, realigned, redefined and the work of the Lord goes forward, I am left with the loss and grief of letting go of the ministry. It is painful for me to see any of my extended family go without, so I embrace the ministry as if it has truly been given to me by God for forever. For as long as the assignment last, I pray for the anointing and discernment to accomplish what God wants done. In order to do the work, I have to take possession of the ministry. It is my responsibility and assignment.

Letting go is hard. Now in His time, God has brought a lovely young lady to take my place. He has gifted and is equipping her for this ministry. She will 'increase'; I have to 'decrease'. At times like these, John the Baptist comes to mind. Reading again about him and his willingness to do the hard job and then know when to back off helps me to adjust my role. (Of couse, there was that business of getting his head cut off... he decreased, not quit being a voice for God!)

So, I guess I was not fired or replaced. I am finished with this assignment and ready to move on. What's next, Lord? (Please, not prison and my head cut off!)