Has God ever prompted you to do something that you did not want to do? Or maybe something you wanted to do, but did not feel comfortable doing?
That has been my life so far this month.
During my time in Jamaica, God has been reminding me of my call to preach the Gospel. And I don’t just mean to preach the Gospel to the lost, but to preach His Word in the church. This is a big responsibility that I don’t take lightly. To be completely honest, I’d rather not do it sometimes. But the Lord has a funny way of putting us into situations where we don’t feel adequate enough for the task at hand. It causes us to trust in Him, knowing that if we are to succeed in our endeavors it won’t be by our own strength, but by the strength that He gives us.
“For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
( The Apostle Paul, 1 Cor. 9:16 )
Something God has been teaching me these past few weeks is that I cannot lead anyone to a place I have not gone myself. The things I have had the opportunity to preach aren’t these huge, fancy theological concepts; they are the things that God is personally teaching me in my everyday life.
Tomorrow I am preaching on Easter Sunday. I haven’t been to that particular church yet, so I don’t know what to expect, but I know that they expect me to preach. The unknown aspect of it all makes me a little uneasy, but I know that I will be preaching for the purpose of equipping the church for good works in Christ, and that makes it all worth it.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
( 2 Timothy 3:16 )
Now I want to let you know, the reason I am telling you all of this isn’t so that you can look at me and think, “Wow! He’s so great because he is preaching, doing God’s work, etc.” I love to echo the words of Paul in Galatians 6:14, “I will not boast about anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I am not preaching because I am an eloquent speaker, or because I want to brag about doing work for God. Honestly, I still have so much to learn about God’s Word, who He is, and what He wants from my life. Right now I am just being obedient to His calling on my life, even when it makes me uncomfortable.
The reason I am writing all of this is because I want you to know that God is asking me to do something that I really don’t feel all that comfortable doing right now. And I have a feeling that if you’re reading this right now, there may be something in your life that the Lord is leading you to do that you’re hesitant to do. And I want to encourage you to step out in faith and do it!
If there is one thing I am learning this month it is that every time I put myself out there in faith, God rewards it. Even when I am uncomfortable. Even when I’d rather do something else. Even when I feel that there is a better man for the job. God doesn’t want our excuses. He wants our obedience.
“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.”
( Hebrews 11:6 )
With all of this said, I have two requests:
1. Please pray for me as I follow the Lord in obedience to something that is outside my comfort zone.
2. Whatever it is in your life right now that you are hesitating to step out in faith on, DO IT. Ask God what He wants from you today and trust Him to provide a way for you to accomplish it, and don’t let excuses get in the way!
Katherine and I are so thankful for each of you guys that are reading our blog and staying updated on this journey that the Lord has us on. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We appreciate your cheerful comments and encouraging messages!
Also, here’s the latest from the YouTube channel:
