Confessions of God's People Stuck in the MiddleSample

Confessions of a Passionate Pastor - Paul

Almighty, Victorious, Ancient of Days!

You are most gracious! Who is like you? Your great name, I praise your great name! I could shout it from the mountain tops! I want the world to know what I know!

Lord, I wrack my brain to think of what I can do to capture people's attention. I will run through the streets in just my underclothes like King David if that is what would make them listen. They seem so lackluster. So asleep! I want to wave my hands in front of their faces and scream to get them to wake up. Don't they notice?!? Don't they care?

They talk about things that seem so dull and unimportant. All I hear is how much the cattle are going for, the strange disease over the goats, the rising cost of cotton, what the Romans are up to these days, and even the weather! WHO CARES?! Don't they care at all that salvation is at hand?!

This is life or death! Even the Christians seem sluggish. Who has time for sleeping, eating, and parties? What a waste! How can I make them see?! How can I help them understand?

A Passionate Pastor

My Dear Paul,

You are exactly who I made you! I have loved seeing you throw your entire heart, soul, and body into whatever you do. You have been that way since you were a young man. You've accomplished many things as a result of that gifting.

Every good personality trait you have comes from Me - your love for people, endless energy, and especially your passion for this life. That is a reflection of my heart to yours. I know you don't always understand other people, and that's okay. You don't have to. I don't want everyone to be the same. I know you try so hard.

Remember when you told me you would become all things to all people to save just one? Oh, did that make me smile. You couldn't be shy or quiet if you tried!

I want to remind you not to get so caught up in the mission you miss the ministry. It wasn't that long ago that your passions resulted in killing Christians. I don't bring it up to condemn you but to remind you to give others grace. Love is patient, and love is kind. I have each person on a journey towards me. My timing is not your timing. My ways are not your ways.

Above all, my grace is enough for you. My power is made perfect in your weakness.

Your Loving Father