Ever feel inadequate?

I am so excited about what God is doing in Refuge. Two young people came to Christ this weekend, I see a whole new crew coming up. There is a purpose on Saturday nights that we haven’t had in a while. What’s truly amazing is God is using…me.

I told Pastor Michael last week I have never felt so inadequate in ministry in all my life. I think this comes from being closer to Him and relying on Him more than I have ever had to before. I reached the apex of my ability a couple of months ago and, honestly, it really scared me. I realized I don’t have the know how to pastor this many young people. I don’t know how to deal with the kinds of problems I encounter with these kids. How do you comfort a girl who wants a closer walk with God but can’t let go of the sin she enjoys? What do you say to a young man who has so much respect for the father of the girl he likes that he won’t go against her dad’s wishes and ask the daughter out? What about the young woman trying to please her parents, but is unable to because another family member has such issues that her parents won’t trust any of the other kids?

Well, I don’t know how to comfort, counsel, etc. So I have to completely rely on Him. I really am Totally inadequate…in my own strength. But in my weakness, His strength is made perfect. Paul was having a conversation with God in 2Corinthians and God reminded him not to worry about where he, Paul, falls short because He, God, always gives sufficient grace. Well that excites me. Not that I will fall short, but that Paul fell short.

Paul. The writer of almost 2/3 of the New Testament, the one chosen by God to complete the teaching of the saints, the one who Jesus taught face to face after His resurrection, fell short. He had short comings. Get that. He had issues and still raised the dead. He had problems and still led countless people to Christ. Man, all I want to do is change an entire generation’s view of God. I’m encouraged by Paul’s shortcomings. Really…ENCOURAGED!!!

Now maybe you don’t see things the same way. Maybe you’re a half-empty kind of guy or girl. You think that even Paul had struggles. And if he struggled, there’s no hope for me. I say change the way you look at things. If God can use a murdering, church-splitting, short-coming guy to change the world he lived in…and beyond. Surely He can use me.

Don’t give up. We all struggle. You just have to learn to rely on God during the struggle. That’s not easy, it’s something you learn on the job. Don’t worry, though. His grace IS sufficient. If you find someone who never struggles, offer your condolences to the family, say a prayer, light a candle or whatever you do at a funeral and go win someone to Christ. Because I guarantee you, if your not struggling, YOU’RE DEAD!

P Roy <><

“If they hate me, they will hate you.” -Jesus