I don't know about all of you, but God never fails to speak to me and convict my heart during a week at camp. This week I really sensed God telling me to trust Him. This seems like it would be very natural for a youth pastor, but I struggle with this like crazy. I find myself constantly relying on my own talents and abilities rather than on God for support. God has blessed me in certain ways, as He has with all of us, but He has not done this so that we don't need Him. Hopefully His blessing will cause us to keep depending on Him rather than turning away from Him.
God desires to speak to us and lead and guide, but we must be willing to follow. How much more could we accomplish in ministry if we actually put our trust in the Creator? How much more could God do through us if we allowed Him to? I pray that God continues to use me mightily while I learn to put my trust in Him for all my needs.
True that my friend. While I praise God for the gifts and abilities bestowed upon me, I am often struggling with releasing all my cares and letting them go. It is so hard. I know in my head that He has it all under control, tell my heart that. As soon as I think I have it figured out, there I go and take back something I think I can't do without.
ReplyDeleteThankfully God has given me much in the way of talents and gifts, sometimes I rely on my knowledge that I can do it all. I can't. I wonder, ultimately, what it would feel like to surrender everything to God? Would there be a huge sense of relief or joy, or both, or something else?
Why is it we can't, or don't surrender all? I suppose in my case, it is dumb pride. I've done it before on my own, I should be able to do it again.
Anyway, keep pluggin along and know that I am right there with you.
Even when I was leading stuff with you, camp has never been my favorite part of doing ministry. Sometimes it is worth it because I really see God working. But, most of the time it has been an emotionally painful time as an adult and as a camper.
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