Elevation Worship

My paint plastered hands raked a worn brush across a wall as I smiled and thought on how incredible it is to be serving. All around me, the Elevation intern group was hard at work cleaning, painting, and moving furniture around The Summit apartments. In this moment, it hit me how much my perspective had shifted since the first day here this summer. I have come to realize how much life is not about me.

As an intern, I get a unique insight into the work put into the weekend worship experience while also being taught from some of Elevation’s lead Pastors. Last week, Worship Pastor Wade Joye shared with the worship team a few verses from Deuteronomy 8. Verse 18 says, “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful…” Wade reminded us that it’s not our strength or skill that produced any of the remarkable works the worship team has done. All things good come from the Lord and we cannot rely on our own abilities to obtain it if we want to make an impact for His Kingdom. I learned here that a continual posture of prayer and humility is the only position that makes us usable to write a song or point anyone far from the Lord to Christ.

Needless to say, my view of humility has been stretched and altered. It is not something we attain when we gain more understanding of ourselves, but rather when we give ourselves away. Campus Pastor Larry Brey challenged the interns to write out our weaknesses and to be intentional to share them with someone. Just like in worship, if we do not keep our confidence in the Giver we will find our assurance in our own gifts and talents. As a group, we have been incredibly active serving around the Charlotte community and working here at Elevation Church. Being vulnerable about my weaknesses while constantly being the hands and feet of Jesus has moved my heart into a complete reliance on God for strength. All leading me in full circle back to Deuteronomy 8.

God is the power plug for success and I am merely an outlet. Whether I am singing a song of worship or in action painting an apartment building, it is through His might that I am able to be a light. Jesus can shine the brightest when the concern for my own light is the weakest of my desires. So far, being an Elevation intern has taught me that life is not about me; it’s all about the Lord.

Kaley