Encouragement And The Stretch

It's been a ridiculous week.  And it's only Wednesday.  I probably need to have a good solid cry.  But who has time for that?I rolled it all into a ball and tried to stuff it down low in my heart.  Because tonight I was leading a Bible workshop for the youth of our church.  I needed to have something of worth to give tonight.  All I wanted to do was go to bed and sleep for days.This afternoon a friend of a friend messaged me.  She said that my blog had touched her heart.  Her encouragement was Holy Spirit breathed.  In perfect timing.  Today of all days, I needed encouragement not to get overwhelmed and give up.So I got ready for youth group. And I went.At church a friend told me that her mom had been reading my blog and had found much-needed encouragement.I have to say, I almost laughed.  Because it was like overkill.  Like an overflowing cup.  Encouragement upon encouragement.  Ok, I get it God, sharing my journey of Faith is encouraging some people.  Ok.  Thanks.Then youth group happened.  First workshop: Junior Highers.  Lots of them.  Sparkly eyed and energetic.  Giggly and chatty.  When it was over I needed a nap.  (How ever did I do youth ministry every week for years and years and years?) Second workshop: High Schoolers.  Lots of them too.  Calm and deep.  Sage and sincere.  When it was all over I wondered why God had even brought me tonight.  Did I say anything of any value? Was His Truth spoken?  Oh God, I hope some good comes from tonight.  I hope even just one of those amazing young people fall in love with Your Word.And now I see why God gave me encouragement upon encouragement today.  He knew I would need it.It's always a stretch to step out into the opportunities God brings.  (Even if you were a Youth Pastor for a decade and then return to do a "simple" workshop. haha.)  It's always a stretch because if it weren't we could do it in our own strength.  It's always a stretch so we feel how much we need God's power and involvement in our lives.Tonight I'm so grateful for His merciful encouragement today.  And I'm grateful for the stretch opportunity He gave.I see Him and I see my need for Him.  Selah.

And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."  And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."  (Isaiah 6:3-8 ESV)