Encouragement in struggles

I need to be honest and confess some things. I've struggled this past week or so here. It seems like everything hit me all at once. The reality of being so far away from people I love. Missing the things I like to do. Feeling isolated and alone, even with all the kids and staff around. Feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. All of these are things that Satan uses to bind us in chains of doubt and fear. And as hard as it is to admit, these things point to a sinful heart that is full of pride. And while I'm revealing some of my own struggles, I know that we all struggle with these kind of thoughts and feelings from time to time. 

Its frustrating to be able to see and identify things in your own life that you need to surrender, and yet feel like you just can't get away from them. I spend a lot of time in scripture here, but its easy for me to get immersed in the stuff I need to study for church and bible studies so this morning I spent some time praying and just searching scripture for answers and encouragement for me. And for those of you who might be thinking "Why wouldn't you be doing that?", if we are honest, we all struggle with this from time to time. And if you ask anyone who is in ministry, you will find that its very common to get so immersed in what you are doing, that your own needs sometimes get neglected. I'm skeptical of anyone who says they never have this struggle. Not saying its right, its just true. 

So here is the encouragement that God showed me in His word, and I pray that it encourages you as well. I found myself in Psalm 51 where David is crying out for mercy and forgiveness, and looking for strength. and in verses 16-17 he says: "For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

Then I read the Apostle Paul's words in Philippians 4:13 where he says "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength", and then in Ephesians 3 :7-9, he says " Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things".

I realized that I have been trying to rely on my own strength to handle all the things I have been dealing with. This is so easy for us to slip into. Paul realized that the only way he was being effective in his ministry is by acknowledging that his own efforts would always fall short. And David knew that none of his outward actions would please God, but only the condition of his heart.

My prayer for you as you read this is the same as for myself- that we will sacrifice to Him our broken and contrite hearts, and allow Him work through us with HIS strength, and not our own. Amen

Cayle