Here in Cambodia we go to church three times a weekend. Saturday and Sunday nights at the EMOD English school in town and Sunday morning here at the church near the house. Pastor SoKhan preaches on Sunday morning, but the EMOD services are led by other pastors and one night they even seemed to be asking who wanted to preach. Well after service on the night of the 8th, Pastor SoKhan asked us to preach the night services at EMOD the following week.
On Monday morning, Stephanie, our team leader, shared with us Pastor’s request. She said she felt she was to preach so we just needed one more person. God told me to volunteer, but I held back telling myself I just wanted the others to have an opportunity. He kept telling me to preach, so I gave him Monday and Tuesday to change his mind.
Tuesday evening, I finally said, “Fine, if you want me to preach you need to give me a sermon.”
He replied, “Read this week’s Torah portion.” As the team wound down for the night, set up their beds and things got quiet, I began in Exodus. As I read I found great passages and would ask, “Is this it?”
“No. Keep reading.”
“This passage is good. I could pull in that verse or this story.”
“No. Keep reading.”
Finally, He said, “This is it.”
“What’s it?”
“This. Us. Us spending time together, reading scripture and planning. You asking me for direction. I want you to speak on companionship.”
“Oh that’s good!” Then I got sick.
My stomach had been churning a bit earlier in the day, but I didn’t think much about it. It hit about 11. While in the toilet, God gave me the outline for a sermon titled, God Desires Companionship. He gave me the stories, verses, examples, everything. At 3:30 I finally slept. We get up at 5:30 for devotions.
The next day I went to Steph and told her God wanted me to preach. Another had already approached her, but she was feeling God saying she was to wait so she was happy I wanted to preach.
Sunday night, February 15, I was at peace. I had not practiced. I had only read through the outline a couple of times, but He gave me peace. It was a neat experience.
Oh yeah, and Wednesday I was completely refreshed despite two hours of sleep and completely cured.
Lessons learned?
1. When God asks it’s best to say yes immediately.
2. When God calls you He will prepare you and give you peace.
