For this I have Jesus

Our college pastor recently said something so inspired.  As we were chatting about the demands of ministry, he pondered a minute, then said "In ministry, all my weaknesses come out in full force.  And in ministry, I find that God's grace overflows for my weakness."  (That's my own paraphrase, and it's probably not quite as eloquent as he said it!)

Well it's been one of those days when I am soooo so painfully aware of all my weakness.  And it's true, God's grace does overflow.  I recently heard a story about a gentleman in the UK who clung to the words "for this I have Jesus" in every circumstance.  Such grace!

My world feels full of kids in impossibly hard situations who are languishing for a Savior.

For this I have Jesus.

As I meet with students, I'm overwhelmed by the need--they are steeped in religious tradition but do not understand the gospel; they are looking for something True but have so few resources.

For this I have Jesus.

I am weak and small and broken.  And even when I respond to God's call in obedience, the Enemy is lurking to tell me I've done the wrong thing, said the wrong thing, messed it all up.

For this I have Jesus.

I confess, on days like this one I selfishly wonder who is supposed to take care of me while I take care of others. 

For this I have Jesus.

The [New England] harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

For this we have Jesus.