Overwhelming

What a week this has been…what a year!

God has done so much in my life…He has shown me so much…I have grown so much! God is amazing! THe lessons never end. However, lately I am asking God what it is He is trying to teach me…because I feel overwhelmed at times. Let me explain.

I never view the ministry as a burden. Even in the tough times…I truly do count is an honor to be a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have leaned to be content in the valley and on top of the mountain! I have learned to consider it pure joy when I face trials of all kinds. But that does not remove the times that the ministry comes at you fast and you are overwhelmed.

Right now there are many heavy hearts, burdens and concerns in the congregation. People need prayer and God’s help. Many times are burdens and troubles are self-induced…these are the hardest to deal with. WHy? Becasue only repenting can change the situation! As a pastor I am here for my congregation when life comes at them unexpectedly and when they bring it on themselves! No matter what God has a lesson to be learned.

I have also learned that when people try to hurt you…God protects you! Doesn’t take away the pain…but God will protect godly character. We have to remember no matter what God wins!

I have also learned that when you don’t have the answers…there is God! What a place to be, knowing you cannot do it! That means you have to depend solely on God. It is frightening at first…but when you totally let go and let God…things happen!

I have also learned that our enemy, Satan…is a live a well on planet earth. He is not my friend and he wants to destory the things that honor God, labor for the Lord and bear fruit for the Lord.

Additionally, I have learned that God can do great things with crooked sticks…let me explain. We are all sinners. We all make mistakes. However, even when bad things…sinful things happen…God can use them for His glory! I have seen this time and time again. What is the key…we obey Him through it all! No matter what happens, no matter what we may have done, no matter how ugly someone may treat us…we trust GOd. We turn to Him with all of our hearts and He can get the glory through the most unlikely events!

Lastly, I have learned God will give us rest if we rest in Him.

Most of the time I don’t like the feelings of being overwhelmed…but I do like the lessons learned. And the best part is when it is all over and you experience the fullness of God’s love, mercy, grace and are found in His perfect Will. It makes the journey worth it all! It is getting there that is hard.

So if you are as overwhelmed has I have felt in the ministry lately…hang on…enjoy the journey…trust God…do right…stay focused on Jesus!