I always learn such incredible spiritual lessons from my kids. My 6 year-old, Gage, spent the afternoon yesterday with his Nonni planting tomato plants. I heard he prayed for each plant after putting it in the ground.
So I asked him, “Gage, why did you pray for the tomato plants?” He said, “Well, Dad, that’s how they grow.”
My son sees what I sometimes forget. Nothing happens apart from the power of God.
At the end of day 2 of flood relief I’m tired. Our team is tired. The constant adrenaline of being on the front lines of ministry can simply drain you. The more tired I get the more I start to question….
Have we taken on too much?
Do we have a clue what we’re doing?
How are we going to keep up this pace?
Can we really make a difference with all this devastation?
We’re now being told this is a one thousand year flood. This is quite possibly the biggest tragedy Cross Point, or Nashville for that matter, will face in our lifetime. God has positioned us and called us to be a bright light in the midst of the darkness.
As I drifted to sleep last night I was simply praying, “God empower us. God equips us. God fill us with your unfathomable grace, love and hope.”
Why?
Because this is how we grow. Nothing happens apart from the power of God.
How can we pray for you today?
I’m operating a small food ministry from my kitchen. I’m exhausted but so grateful to be able to feed some very devastated people. Have already spent too much money on the credit card for food, but hoping the deposits into my heart will over compensate. This is insane Pete. My son Spencer keeps venturing to the flooded part of our neighborhood to help and all I know is he returns filthy and with a smile on his face. It is a beautiful time to be a child of God, a servant of Christ, with a flickering light. May some of the lost get found.
Way too go Melissa!!! Keep up the great work.
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..This Is How We Grow =-.
I work for a church plant north of Indianapolis, IN, so I’, sure you know how you can pray for us.
But, we’ll be praying for Cross Point & for Nashville. It is clear that God has positioned & blessed Cross Point for just such an event as this.
.-= dan´s last blog ..Look at me! =-.
Love the Powerful wisdom of kids!
You can pray that God will move in the hearts and lives of those in the community where I server because many have been to church but do not know Christ.
.-= Jim F.´s last blog ..The Problem of Evil =-.
Jim prayers are going your way. I think that is a problem in many places.
.-= Michael´s last blog ..Don’t Give Your Mom Burial Flowers If She Is Still Alive =-.
First thing: kids are so insightful. It never ceases to amaze me how much my son ministers to me.
Second: We are at a crossroads and need the wisdom to make the right decision.
.-= Michael´s last blog ..Don’t Give Your Mom Burial Flowers If She Is Still Alive =-.
Prayers back at you my friend – praying God will give wisdom.
.-= Jim F.´s last blog ..The Problem of Evil =-.
Awesome words, Pete.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..After the flood in Bellevue May 4 2010 =-.
Pete,
While I will always covet others prayers for God’s wisdom in my life, I think those of us who are outside of Nashville would like to know if there are specific prayers that we can be praying for those in Nashville.
We know in general what to pray for… but what are some specific prayers that your community would like us to know about?
.-= Tony York´s last blog ..The Gospel is Offensive =-.
Amen.
Though it does sound like we can specifically lift up the Crosspoint team for strength and full rest and joy in the serving.
.-= Faye Bryant´s last blog ..Plan B Book Review =-.
Pray for our staff. Their working extremely hard this week as they try to keep the energy of the volunteer teams up. So much work and tension can be high.
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..This Is How We Grow =-.
Praying, praying, praying!
I am in the middle of transition and major decision making. With every step I take I find myself questioning. Although there is an underlying peace and knowledge that I am making the right choice, my head refuses to calm. So prayer during transition and the ability to listen to God’s voice above the noise in my head would be very appreciated!
.-= Carolina´s last blog ..Is Your Quacker Broken? =-.
I am daily praying for your continued strength and daily resilience. CPCC will continue to be Jesus’ hands and feet and I am so proud of you all.
Been praying for you all in Nashville. I wish I could be there to help out. I have large amounts of time on my hand now, but alas no car as of yet. Working on it though. It is just a slow process. Plus I am still in my therapy for my back. Day 2 of back exercises today. Will be done later this month. But maybe in June
I love this…
.-= Becky´s last blog ..The Voice New Testament =-.
I saw where @Brandiandboys mentioned this, so I had to take a minute to read. So glad I did.
My heart is there beside you and the Crosspoint folks. Perhaps God will open the door for me to be there physically.
Till then, I’ll be praying for you guys.
As for us? You know about my pastor. He did resign. Nothing’s changed with him. The church is moving on, and we need wisdom in finding the new pastor God has planned for us.
.-= Faye Bryant´s last blog ..Plan B Book Review =-.
i love this. so thankful for your heart & the way you lead your family & Cross Point. amazing.
.-= Brandi´s last blog ..pitiful pleasures. =-.
Keep up the good work in Nashville. I have prayed for endurance for you.
My wife and I just moved 2 days ago to Germany for full-time mission work. I am totally exhausted just from jet lag. Please pray that my wife and I will recover quickly so that we can focus on our ministry work.
Thank you!
.-= David Knapp´s last blog ..David and Amanda Knapp’s Move To Peine, Germany =-.
So awesome David. Praying for you bro!
Just keep pushing forward…how much more do we have to give…I think we have more than we know and we just keep pushing. As my old wrestling coach used to say” spit out the chunks and keeping moving forward son” I like this statement, we need to just keep pushing and moving, trusting and believing, helping and giving,holding hands sharing smiles and hugs of those affected.
((tears))My heart has been so moved.
Our church (New Life) is starting a project here in San Diego this weekend on behalf of the Nashville floods to help donate to the restoration.
So awesome Heidi!
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..This Is How We Grow =-.
I LOVE God’s amazing idea of teaching us through little children…beautiful!
You guys are being the church in Nashville! Keep up the good work.
Praying for your city and your staff Pete. Your church is a bright light and I’m so moved by how you’re showing Christ’s love in the middle of this tragedy.
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Olympic Trip =-.
With 5 kids running around our house, I typically end up learning more from them than I teach.
I have many friends and contacts in the Nashville area and my home is the Gulf Coast of Florida. I seem to be hit for Prayer from both sides. I will be praying for you and your team, the other teams in the area as well as the people of Nashville and also the teams on the Gulf Coast and the lives that are and will be effected by the oil spill there.
.-= Jonathan´s last blog ..My little sprout is 2! =-.
Great stuff man. Love when God uses our kids to teach us stuff. In my most recent blog, God used a situation in my kid’s conversation to open my eyes to something in my own life. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Stan´s last blog ..A Hidden Hypocrisy! =-.
Pete, we will keep the Cross Point team in our prayers – and everyone whose lives have been touched by this terrible flood. Did the new Bellevue campus stay dry? Hope so.
It did Mike. Very close to some of the worst flooding but it stayed dry.
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..This Is How We Grow =-.
As I lifted up your team today I prayed for supernatural strength for your volunteers and wisdom for you and the other leaders of Crosspoint. You guys are doing an incredible job of being His hands and feet and I know He will provide the provision, wisdom and strength you need to keep doing what you are doing. You guys remain constant in my prayers.
Pete– your team is not alone- nor is Nashville… we’re praying with you.
Lord Grow wisdom, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, mercy, grow energy to combat weary hearts and grow compassion that causes us ALL to take action….and lighten the load… Let your love shine in a dark time. amen
.-= tracey solomon´s last blog ..A Mile In Her Shoes: SAHM- The Siren Cry of Baby’s Alarm… =-.
I’ve been praying for you & your team as you help so many. What a true testament of sharing Gods love ; being his hands and feet. My personal prayer request is unspoken at this time; just call out my name in prayer. God bless you for your hard work & willingness to help others
Our damage was so minor compared to other people — yet, it took us 6 hours just to end up with plastic covering the ceiling. It will take so long for so many — our prayers are with those who can volunteer for others that they would stay strong and motivated. We hope to join you taking care of others soon. Larry & Susan in Kingston Springs
Amen! I am amazed how God can use things like twitter, facebook and email to get the word out of the needs around us. Within a few hours we have been able to get in touch with people that live in other states that are sending items and gift cards to help with this tragedy. I know that Heath and I feel humbled just to get to help anyone. We keep praying that God would give us wisdom and guidance so we know where to put our time and resources over the next few months. This is just one more reason we call CP home, we don’t just talk about Christ, we do our best to be the hands and feet of Christ!
It was awesome being in the boat with Heath. He helped a whole lot of people on Monday! So proud of him.
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..This Is How We Grow =-.
Pete,
Ordered “Plan B” from Amazon last week and overnighted it so I could take it to Destin this week. I planned to read it over a few days in the sun. I read it all yesterday!
You have an incredible gift of communication.
Obviously, it all hit home with me. Thanks!
Thank you John. That’s a huge honor coming from someone I respect as much as you.
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..This Is How We Grow =-.
Pastor P, I’m praying for the people of Nashville and my friends at Cross Point.
.-= DisneyCyndi´s last blog ..My Life in Pictures! =-.
Thats an amazing and great analogy today. Your enthusiasm is contagious and we’re blessed that your cup runneth over. Still praying here for all those touched by the flood.
I know 5/4/10 was a big deal day for you and you were looking foward to it for quite a while. I wonder how you would have spent the day if the crisis had not occurred. I’m so proud of what I see Cross Point doing. Your leadership is inspirational. Blessings to you and your team.
Hubby, myself and the boys will be praying tonight when we bow our heads together — for you, your family, your staff — for lots of energy and encouragement!
Keep going… even in the midst of the questions, however things may look as you are being spent. God is near to you and His heart will carry you all, Pete.
.-= Faith Barista | Bonnie´s last blog ..Now That The Ink Has Dried =-.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
i pray this for you, your team and every minister/volunteer.
.-= patricia´s last blog ..5.3.10 window. =-.
I take my final college exam tomorrow, and graduate next weekend! I don’t have a job lined up yet and I am facing so much uncertainty. I am grateful for what I do have though, and I know everything will happen just like it’s supposed to. Praying hard for the work you guys are doing from here in PA.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Last Paper Ever =-.
Praying for all the above Laura.
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..This Is How We Grow =-.
I would appreciate your prayers for my church as we go through a re-visioning process and as we prepare for a building campaign. Please pray for unity and for faith to step out with God
.-= Kevin M.´s last blog ..8 things we need to quit =-.
Out of the mouths of babes! Love it!!
I know exactly how you feel. I spent 3 weeks in Haiti after the earthquake with a group called Medical Missionaries….I have never been so exhausted, hot, overwhelmed at the devastation, overwhelmed at the medical/spiritual/mental help needed! I decided that: “I will never make a dent….but I WILL make a difference!”….that is how I kept going everyday I wanted to get a flight out of that country!!
We have been going to Crosspoint for 4 years and love every minute of it!!! Moving back to Nashville May 12 and will be ready to help any way needed! We will be in Friday/Saturday to help in Bellevue as needed!
I am bringing a load of donations from Paducah with me!!
YOU and CP are making a difference!!!
.-= Dani W´s last blog .. =-.
You may think and feel like you’ve taken on too much but press on! To be in a position where you are doing something bigger than yourself is the perfect place. Why? Because it is in these places that God gets the fame and glory that is due his name. The lyrics of “In Me” by Casting Crowns popped in my head when I read your post, “‘Cause when I’m weak, You make me strong When I’m blind You shine Your light on me ‘Cause I’ll never get by living on my own ability How refreshing to know You don’t need me How amazing to find that you want me So I’ll stand on Your Truth, and I’ll fight with Your Strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me.” Praying for your efforts and that the Lord would sustain you and give you strength. I live in GA but have friends and family in the area. Wish I could be there to help with your efforts. Thanks for being the church! Keep it up! As fas as how you can pray for me, I have a final exam tomorrow and need to do very well.
Out of the mouth of babes…I love it when God humbles us through children.
.-= Kevin´s last blog ..Equilibrium & the Image of God =-.
enjoyed the peek into your growth process. thank you.
As always…love your transparency! Keeping you & your team in prayer.
May God be GLORIFIED!!!
Beautiful post, Pete. And it’s something I’m learning about here in the DR.
Thinking and praying for you.
Praying for you guys. Love the work you’re doing!!
.-= pete wilson´s last blog ..This Is How We Grow =-.
“Well, Dad, that’s how they grow.”
Your boys are something else. I should use some of Gage’s wisdom in my own life.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..How I Spent My Cinco De Mayo =-.
His prayes were so sweet and sincere. Shame on me for being the “adult” and not thinking to pray for the tomato plants. There’s not a day that I get to spend time with the boys that one of them doesn’t teach me something!
So awesome to see brothers and sisters in Christ reaching out to those who are suffering and hurting. It breaks my heart I can’t be there to help you all but I am praying each and every day that God will give you all strength as you help those around you. I know the work must be exhausting but God is working and shining through you all. I pray that He gives you all the deep restful sleep you need so you may wake up ready to serve the people around you.
.-= Chelsea´s last blog ..Desire for relationships =-.
Pete, you are an inspiration to us all. Just keep going.
I blogged about gardening today too.
Praying for Nashville and looking forward to helping when we get back from the DR.
It is so hard to be away right now. As I sit here in complete shock, seeing pictures, hearing stories…it’s hard to fully comprehend the amount of loss and heartache that beautiful city is in the midst of. From here it seems like a dream. But no one is waking up. I see images of places I’ve walked, places I once knew that will be forever changed. Our God is one of Hope. That is what I have for Nashville…I’ve always said and felt like Nashville was more of a community rather than just a city. Of anywhere, Nash can and will rise above this. I believe! Lots and lots of prayers from here to there. x
.-= Rachel Kemper´s last blog ..Road Trip! =-.
Kids are sometimes so much more in tune with God than we are. It’s like we spend most of our lives re-learning what we knew when we were five. Also, I find gardening to be a really spiritual practice. There’s something about tending and pruning and watering and caring that reminds me how I’ve been tended and pruned and cared for.
You can pray for my health for the remainder of my pregnancy (11 more weeks!). But your question feels backward to me. Know that *we* have been praying for *you*– the folks of Nashville, the people who are suffering, the ones working so diligently on relief. Blessings, from me and my church to you and yours, through our one God.
.-= Becca Clark´s last blog ..Sermon: And Again =-.
Love it. What a great word and picture. “That is how we grow.” Why do we adults just expect things to grow without prayer?…praying for you all in Nashville!
Thanks for offering to pray for us in the depths of your crisis. Just pray I do more to help those in need like the folks in Nashville.
.-= Tom Raines´s last blog ..Today’s Affirmation: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. =-.