PEGI and her sister Grace

This morning we were introduced to PEGI. She can be a bit intimidating. She calls us to 4 basic commitments; basic but demanding.

What is your response to PEGI? I am sure, because you have a heart to serve Christ and to see His Kingdom advance in Ocean County and beyond, you were inspired. I am also pretty sure, if you are like me, these commitments can make your heart tremble. Why? Because though my desire is to serve Christ in the way PEGI prescribes, I know how often I've failed.

How often have I lacked initiative and been content to just let things happen, or just let someone else do it? How often have I settled for mediocrity and held back my resources of time, gifting, and money out of selfishness, or laziness? My conscience condemns me as I think of the many times I have neglected to properly express appreciation for those who have served me or served alongside me. How often has my pride kept me from humbly seeking out the input of others? Or how many times have I lacked honest transparency rather than admitting my own failures and sin?

This is an honest admission of my own heart. If it were not for PEGI's sister GRACE I would be paralyzed by guilt and shame, fear and unbelief, and unable to serve Christ another day. This is just where Satan wants me. And for a long time in many ways I was controlled by those things. I had a difficult time seeing how God could use me. I found it much safer to "bury my 'talents'" (Matthew 25:14-16, 21).

At times I still have a fearful unbelieving heart, but God is bringing about a change in me. Dave Harvey once told me, "What God has called you to, He will give both the gifts and the grace to fulfill that calling" (that may not be an exact quote but hopefully you get the idea). This truth had a transforming affect upon me.

What has God called me to? I am called to be Tim's wife. I am a mother, a homeschooling mom, a mother-in-law, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, a neighbor, the wife of the senior pastor, wife of a caregroup leader, leader of women's ministry, a mentor.

I could easily shrink back in fear when I think of applying the PEGI principles to all of this. But I need not fear, for it is the power of Christ that enables me to fulfill my callings. Because He died to save me, and because He rose again, and because He gave me the Holy Spirit to dwell within me, and because He has given me spiritual gifts, I know that HE is going to give me all that I need to fulfill these callings. Not only that but when I sin, which I'm afraid I am so prone to do, HE is faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

With these truths, I can boldly step into ministry knowing that He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). HE is still at work in me!! He is still at work in ME!!! By His GRACE I will draw upon this GRACE and His gifts to pursue PEGI in my various callings. Amazing GRACE.