This blog was written by Crystal Mazzuca as part of the CPC22 Undivided Series. Our hope through these reflections by ministry leaders is that they would prepare your hearts to hear from God while you’re at CPC in person or CPC+ online. You can listen to the whole CPC22 playlist here on Spotify.
How are you right now?
How are you really?
If you were to paint a picture of your life in this season, would it be one of sweetness, bright colors, and joyful sounds? Or maybe it’s dusky, misty, and tinged with sorrow?
The opening line to “Jireh” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music speaks to whatever picture describes your current place.
I’ll never be more loved than I am right now.
Regardless of what season I am in, this one sentence sends shivers down my spine. In the joyful seasons, I smile, nod, and whisper “Amen” because I know it is true and I feel it. In the hard times, when joy feels like a distant memory, it serves as a much-needed reminder of the incredible love of the Father and what it means for me.
The sentiment of this first line and this song as a whole is what washes over me the first evening of CPC.
In ministry, our days, months, and seasons ebb and flow like the tide. As we prepare to close out 2021 and open the door to 2022, we can feel a mix of hope and fear – of eager expectation and nerve-racking apprehension. That’s one of the reasons why the way CPC starts off the conference – and our year – is so precious and so needed. Worship. Reflection. Encouragement. Blessing.
Each of us will never be more loved than we are right now.
In my first year at CPC, I was brand new to ministry. I showed up not knowing what to expect but eager to learn and grow. Imagine my surprise when the first session wasn’t a loud party kick-off or an energetic speaker getting us charged up for the week; rather, it was a quiet, meditative, soul-searching time.
Is this what we really need? Absolutely.
I’ll never be more loved than I am right now
Wasn’t holding You up
So there’s nothing I can do to let You down
It doesn’t take a trophy to make You proud
I’ll never be more loved than I am right now
It’s so easy to get caught up in the “doing” of ministry. We want to learn all things so we can do it better. We can fall into the trap of believing that we need one more idea, one more resource, one more thing to really get us thriving in our work. But the quiet start to CPC reminds us of what is most important – resting in and relying on the Father and allowing Him to be our strength, purpose, and everything.
You are Jireh, You are enough
Jireh, You are enough
And I will be content in every circumstance
You are Jireh, You are enough
This year, I am coming to CPC a little worn and a little ragged. Like many of you, this has been a tough couple of years. I am tired. I fight not to feel defeated or discouraged. I fight to cling on to hope. I want ideas and resources but wonder if I will have the bandwidth to apply them. I feel a little bit like I am running on fumes.
And yet…He is enough.
Wherever you are in ministry and life, let that sink in. He is enough. He is everything you need. If you are on a mountain top, let that lift you even higher into His loving arms. If you are in a valley, let that be a balm to your dry and weary soul.
Forever enough
Always enough
Forever enough
His love is enough. He is enough. When we are worshipping and praying together that first day in January, or even as you are sitting in your home or office right now, let that amazing love fill your head and your heart and be all that you need to know who you are, whose you are, and where your strength comes from.
I’ll never be more loved than I am right now.
About Crystal
Crystal has always loved working with kids. After earning her Masters in Christian Education Administration, Crystal was hired as the full-time Director of Kids’ Ministry at her church. She’s thankful to have found a family of like-minded brothers and sisters who share a common passion for Kingdom growth through discipleship.
