On the day I called, you answered me; you increased strength within me. 
~ Psalm 138:3 

Tired? Stretched? Overwhelmed? Discouraged? Weak? Yeah, me too.

Oh, and did I mention tired? 

Summer ministry at camp has a way of draining you, especially when things don’t go exactly as you had hoped. The relational and practical issues of this week may seem impossible. Maybe you’re wondering how you can persevere through the difficulties. Maybe you’ve even begun to question whether you have what it takes to serve at camp anymore. 

Psalm 138 contains valuable truth. 

God’s plan is for you to serve from the place of weakness not strength. Yes, read that sentence again. 

David was made bold with strength, not because he possessed great strength, wisdom, and ability, but because he cried out to God in the moment of weakness. 

Think about it. Who gets honored when the super-athlete successfully leads a game? Who gets the glory when Bible-answer-man leads a challenging Bible discussion with the campers? Who’s in the spotlight when Mrs. Veteran Counselor flawlessly handles a massive blowup in her cabin group? 

Certainly we all have God-given opportunities to draw upon our experience and skills. But the place where God really stretches us is in the place of weakness because it forces us to cry out to God for help. 

In a word—humility (see verse 6).

Serving God faithfully in what he sets before you today requires humility. Acknowledge that you aren’t going to be the best at it. There is always someone more outgoing, more talented, more organized—and these people are probably strategically placed on staff with you to help you cultivate humility. 

Confess your weakness, failure, and anxiety to God. Cry out to him for strength and confidence. When you position yourself this way he will meet you to sustain you with his strength for what he has called you to do. The Lord regards the lowly, and he will make you bold with strength. 

Still tired? Some extra sleep might help.