by Anna Gates 1986.

I choose to believe all that you say, Lord.
You are
Striving
Obeying
Failing
Growing
Quitting
Is ministry supposed to be so laborious, Lord?
Did you intend it to be such a struggle?
Is there something lacking in me?
Weary
Hurting
Fearing
Inadequate
Ineffective
It is hard to call others to a life I struggle to live.
Where is the abundance, the joy, the peace?
Help me, Lord, to persevere.
Forgiven
Learning
Changing
Helping
Sharing
It all makes up ministry, doesn’t it, Father?
I desire to help others remove their pain,
But I forget to go to you with my own.
Loved
Adequate
Effective
Accepted
Challenged
sovereign over all.
I will persevere.

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