Daily Power #221

For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)

A few weeks ago, I told you about one of the toughest seasons in my life. When I was in my midtwenties, I was rejected for ordination as a pastor. My first time before the board of overseers, they explained that my ideas were too radical, my approach too unorthodox, and my passion was simply “over the top.” So instead of ordaining me with my class of peers, they put me on a one-year probation. After another year of seminary, they would re-evaluate my potential to become an ordained pastor.

I distinctly remember driving home, sobbing in my little red Geo Prism. Now, there is crying and there is ugly crying. I was unquestionably in ugly-snot-flinging-barely-breathing-ugly-crying mode. I felt like my whole life, everything I had lived for, was being stripped from me.

That’s when I sensed the unmistakable presence of God. In that moment, I heard the words inside my heart, “You are not who others say you are. You are who I say you are. And I say you are called to serve me in ministry.” And that was all I needed. People’s opinions didn’t matter. God’s assurance was all I needed.

Whenever you feel down or discouraged, remember, you are not who others say you are. You are not even what you think you are. You are who God says you are.

And he says you belong to him.

You have his Spirit.

And you can do whatever he calls you to do by his power.

Power Lift

When others doubt me, God, it hurts, and sometimes I want to give up. But then I remember all that you have done for me and what you have called me to do. I am yours—use me, Lord, no matter what anyone else may say.