This morning as I was reading a chapter in Radical by David Platt, God reminded me of a truth that almost took my breath away. What we are doing in the park and through Grace’s Kitchen has nothing to do with our abilities. It is about what God can do through willing vessels as we seek to be obedient to his call.

In his book, Platt writes: “Surrounded by the self-sufficiency of American culture, we can convince ourselves that we have what it takes to achieve something great.…But there is another way. It is the way of Christ.…Instead of dependence on ourselves, we express radical desperation for the power of his Spirit, and we trust that Jesus stands ready to give us everything we ask for so that he might make much of our Father in the world.…Why would we ever want to settle for Christianity according to our ability or settle for church according to our resources? The power of the one who raised Jesus from the dead is living in us, and as a result we have no need to muster up our own might. Our great need is to fall before an almighty Father…and to plead for him to show his radical power in and through us…And when we do this, we will discover that we were created for a purpose much greater than ourselves, the kind of purpose that can only be accomplished in the power of his Spirit.”

Each Thursday, one team member shares the day’s scripture and then prays before we serve breakfast. During the hour we are in the park, that same person writes down specific prayer requests from those we serve. Our team has committed to diligently pray for these requests. Many weeks our team members struggle with the seeming hopelessness of these precious people’s circumstances.

As I was reading today, God reminded me that my circumstances are just as hopeless without the power of Christ in my life. It’s true that I have a better place to sleep than those in the park and that I always know where my next meal is coming from, but those physical needs pale in comparison of the gift of God’s amazing grace. Without this gift, there would be no power within me to do anything.

God graciously reminded me that we need to pray fervently for the salvation of the people we serve, not just that their requests will be answered. It is only through the power of the Spirit in each of our lives that anything long-lasting can be accomplished. This is an awesome reminder to someone who tries to do so much in her own power.

Father, may you alone be glorified through Grace’s Kitchen. We trust you to provide everything we need for this ministry and that you are at work in the lives of those we serve. Without you, we can do nothing. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

—Paula