My Grace is Made Perfect In Weakness

We are starting a new ministry at church.  We feel the Lord is leading us to start a Sunday night children's outreach, which would have a light meal, games and the Gospel message.  We've knocked on doors, handed out flyers and prayed.  We are willing and we are waiting, but the kids have not come....yet. 

Now, the whole thing about a children's ministry, for me anyway, is that it is way outside my comfort zone.  And even though I will only have a peripheral part in this ministry, I'm quite anxious about working in it.  

Last night, as we had the meeting to discuss our plans, and how we were awaiting God's lead...the panic started filling my chest.  I find relating to children hard never having had any of my own.  I try, but it does not feel natural to me.  I relate to animals.  LOL  Children are scarry!  

Well, today's reading in "The Power of Praying Through the Bible" by Stormie Omartian spoke a word in due season to that panic that tightened my lungs and sent shivers through my mind.  The reading took me to Jeremiah 1:1-10.  Jeremiah was called by the Lord to speak His Words to Judah's kings.  In verse 6 Jeremiah stated, O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”  I can just hear and feel the anxiety and panic.  I get it!

And today's reading spoke to my heart.  Stormie Omartian writes, "When we think up excuses for not doing God's will, what we are really saying is that we understand things better than God does. We are also saying that we think it's up to us and our abilities, rather than up to God's power and enablement.  Feeling inadequate is good when it drives us to depend on God.  But it's not good when that insecurity and fear cause us to say no to what God wants."   Wow!  God is speaking directly to me.  There is no doubt in my mind that He is addressing the fears and anxieties that I can easily let roll over my desire to do His will.  

2 Corinthians 12:9  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Paul felt inadequate to overcome his "thorn in the flesh."  Yet Jesus reminded Him it was His own strength that would enable Paul to do whatever God gave him to do.  

We are never to accomplish anything in our own strength.  It is God who works in us to do His work.  I am to be relying on the Holy Spirit to do whatever the Lord leads me to do.  If God tells me to do something, then I can be sure He will give me the power to do it.  I need to remember, Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.   Once again, a timely and much needed God visit.  

Thank You Lord for Your encouragement in today's reading.  Keep our focus on You as we set out to obey Your voice when You call us to ministry, good works, sharing the Gospel or any other task You desire.  Remind us often, of Paul's words in Philippians 2:13, "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."  Keep us dependent, submitted and following You.  You are so gracious and tender in Your care and encouragement.  Thank You again.  In Jesus' precious Name.  Amen.

When you feel inadequate run to the throne!