I can do it!

Being in ministry is tough. Being a Program Director is tough. It is tough because there is a delicate balance I have to walk. It is very easy for me to look at what happens here during the summer and say it happened because of my leadership and because I am a great boss, and administrator (or because I am following God more closely than those around me or in similar positions). I admit, my pride gets in the way of my role here at camp. My role exists to support the Church and to come alongside pastors and encourage them in their ministries. Yet, I am known at camp for being 'Crazy Pete;' a name that needs to be lived up to. So often I allow my pride and ego to take the reigns and do things my way. But as a follower of Jesus, I have to be willing to set aside my way and allow for God's way. My ego was hit this morning.

What stood out to me: Verse 23 says, "But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise."

Why did this stand out to me: This verse stood out me because it brought me back to the story of Abraham and how he tried to do God's will in Abraham's way. Abraham did not see how it would be physically possible for God to open up Sarah's womb, so Abraham decided for God to go through Hagar. As a result, dissension in the family occurred.

How to apply this in my own life: In ministry it can be easy for me to rely on my methods and upon my strength for all that I do here at Camp. I do a lot of my ministry the way I do because I feel it is the right way. Some times I pray and ask God what He thinks; but there have been many times when I have done what I thought was best. This weekend, camp is hosting a youth worker conference and I was reminded this morning that ministry is not about me. Ministry is about loving others as Christ would. Yes, God can use me. I am available; but God may not always do things the way I want them to be done. I have to let down my pride and listen for God's plan. Which is something I have trouble doing.

I know this blog is entitled "Crazy Thoughts from Crazy Pete," and my thoughts have not been all that crazy. This honestly what I am going through and where my heart is as I look at scripture.

Tomorrow I will take the day off from Blogging, but I will be back again on Monday. We will be reading Galatians 5:1-15. I am curious to know what God has been speaking to you about through Galatians, any one want to share their thoughts?

In His service, CrazyPete